Switzerland's Stocker faces up to eight months out
Monday, April 25, 2011
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Valentin Stocker faces up to eight months on the sidelines after knee surgery, ruling him out of Switzerland's remaining EURO qualifiers and the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.
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FC Basel 1893 midfielder Valentin Stocker will miss the rest of Switzerland's UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying campaign after undergoing knee surgery today.
The 22-year-old tore cruciate ligaments in his right knee during the second half of Saturday's 2-1 victory against BSC Young Boys in the Swiss Super League. Doctors repaired the ligaments during today's operation, and Stocker is expected to spend three to four days in hospital followed by up to eight months recovering.
The attacking player scored two goals, both against Wales, in this three EURO qualifying appearances. He previously helped Switzerland qualify for this summer's UEFA European Under-21 Championship and would have been eligible to feature at the finals in Denmark.
His absence will also be felt by his club as Basel look to keep FC Zürich, four points behind with a game in hand, at bay and retain their Swiss title.
