Sagnol stuck on the sidelines again
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
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FC Bayern München right-back Willy Sagnol is expected to be sidelined for "a long time" after the Frenchman had to undergo surgery for his achilles tendon injury.
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Swift operation
The 31-year-old had only just recovered from the cartilage problems and slipped disc which reduced him to nine league appearances for the German champions last season when a check-up revealed a hitherto undetected injury to his achilles tendon. He was immediately booked in for an operation, with a club statement predicting he will be sidelined for "a long time".
Grim period
The 58-times French international has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons. He first suffered cartilage damage to his right knee in April 2007, only returning to full action at the start of this year. However, his stay in the first team proved short-lived as he was soon back on the treatment table with a slipped disc. Bayern, the Bundesliga and German Cup title-holders, begin their 2008/09 UEFA Champions League campaign in the group stage.