Hip blow for Van Hoogdalem

FC Schalke 04 defender Marco van Hoogdalem will miss the club's push for a UEFA Cup berth because of a long-standing hip problem.

Increased pain
The 30-year-old Dutch central defender, who has missed Schalke's last three matches, will undergo surgery next week. Van Hoogdalem said: "The decision hurts but the pain has got so bad that I have to have an operation. I will not be able to play again this season."

Pre-season aim
Van Hoogdalem, a former RKC Waalwijk and Roda JC player, hopes to be fit for pre-season training, which begins on 25 June. Schalke are sixth in the Bundesliga with four matches remaining, three points behind Hamburger SV who occupy the second UEFA Cup qualifying spot.