Cícero blow adds to Hertha's woe
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Article summary
Hertha BSC Berlin's injury crisis has deepened after midfielder Cícero tore a calf muscle and could be sidelined for up to three weeks, while Jaroslav Drobný's absence has seen Tim Ochs brought in as cover.
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Hertha BSC Berlin's injury crisis has deepened with the news that midfielder Cícero has torn his calf muscle and will be out of action for two to three weeks.
Injury concerns
The 25-year-old Brazilian, a regular in the centre of the Hertha midfield, sustained the injury during Wednesday's German Cup defeat on penalties to TSV 1860 München and will now miss next Thursday's trip to Sporting Clube de Portugal in the UEFA Europa League. Hertha are already without goalkeepers Jaroslav Drobný (thigh) and Christopher Gäng (muscular problems), defender Steve von Bergen (thigh), midfielders Florian Kringe (metatarsal) and Fabian Lustenberger (broken foot). Polish striker Artur Wichniarek (groin) could return to action at TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on Sunday.
Ochs signs
Hertha, meanwhile, have signed goalkeeper Timo Ochs until the end of season, the 27-year-old joining as a free agent after his contract with FC Salzburg came to an end in the summer. He will not be eligible for Hertha's UEFA Europa League Group D campaign but will provide cover in the Bundesliga where the capital club have collected just three points from their opening six games. They were held to a 1-1 draw by Latvian champions FK Ventspils in their opening Group D game last Thursday.
