By DAN KARELL
After undergoing two knee surgeries this summer, Hannover 96 captain Steve Cherundolo is close to making a full comeback.
The 34-year-old right back hasn’t played a first team game for the club since May 18 but returned to full training this week and is set to feature for Hannover in a charity match against local side TSV Barsinghausen on Thursday. Proceeds from the match are to go to an association that helps children with cancer in Hannover.
Along with Cherundolo, fellow defenders Christian Pander and Felipe are overcoming injuries as well, with forward Jan Schlaudraff hoping to pass a fitness test for his back problems.
The U.S. Men’s National Team veteran hasn’t played for head coach Jurgen Klinsmann’s squad since last October when the USMNT was in Kansas City, having suffered on and off from knee issues and other minor injuries for the last 12 months that have kept him out of the National Team side.
Cherundolo’s next chance to play for Hannover in a Bundesliga match comes on October 19 at Borussia Dortmund. Following that game, the Reds play one week later on October 26 at home against Fabian Johnson and Hoffenheim.
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What do you think of this news? Excited to hear that Cherundolo is going to play? Do you expect him back by October 19? Do you see Klinsmann calling up Cherundolo in November?
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