By DAN KARELL
Bastian Schweinsteiger’s injury issues just wont go away.
The Bayern Munich and German National Team star is set to undergo surgery on his ailing right ankle, despite having an operation on the ankle last June. Schweinsteiger has started a number of times for Bayern this season in all competitions but he’s been hampered by increasing pain recently.
“I’ve repeatedly felt severe pain over the last few weeks,” Schweinsteiger said in a club statement. “I tried my best to keep going, but I’ve now come to a point where an operation can no longer be avoided. After the operation, I hope I’ll be able to play again completely free of pain.“
There is no timetable for a return for the 29-year-old, but at the least it rules him out of Germany’s next two friendly matches. Schweinsteiger recently won his 100th cap in a 5-3 victory over Sweden.
Here are some more stories to get your Friday started:
COSTA INCLUDED IN SPAIN SQUAD FOR FRIENDLIES
Diego Costa could make his Spain debut when they face Equatorial Guinea on November 16.
The 25-year-old Brazilian born star for Atletico Madrid was included on Vicente Del Bosque’s list of 23 players for two friendly matches in Africa. Following the friendly match against Equatorial Guinea, Spain will travel to Johannesburg, South Africa, to face the South African National Team.
Costa was the subject of an international tug-of-war in the last few months because he’s chosen to play for Spain in the future, despite having played for Brazil as recently as last May in two friendly matches. This season, Costa has been absolutely on fire in place of Radamel Falcao for Atletico, scoring 16 goals so far in all competitions.
SCHALKE KEEPING TABS ON CASILLAS
Following the latest defeat in the Champions League, FC Schalke is considering some new goalkeeper options as starting goalkeeper Timo Hildebrand is in a poor run of form.
According to reports in Germany, Schalke are looking at domestic possibilities such as Fabian Giefer of Fortuna Dusseldorf on a free transfer or Germany youth international Kevin Trapp of Eintracht Frankfurt for €6 million, but one possibility is Real Madrid and Spanish National Team star Iker Casillas.
The 32-year-old goalkeeper lost his regular place in the Real Madrid side in the middle of last season under Jose Mourinho and his presence on the bench during league matches has continued under Carlo Ancelotti’s reign. While Casillas reiterated his stance that he’d prefer to stay, Schalke are just keeping an eye on the situation in case he changes his mind and wants to move on loan somewhere for six months ahead of the World Cup.
QUICK KICKS
Arsenal are reportedly discussing a surprising move to sign Manchester United and Mexico National Teal forward Javier Hernandez as cover for Olivier Giroud in January. (REPORT)
Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller has received his first ever call up to the German National Team for friendlies against Italy and England. (REPORT)
Chelsea, having just faced FC Schalke 04 in the Champions League on Wednesday, are interested in signing Schalke youngster Max Meyer for €15 million, though he has a release clause of €18 million. (REPORT)
Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey lead the Wales squad for a friendly match on November 16 against Finland. (REPORT)
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What do you think of these reports? Do you see Schweinsteiger returning before the end of the year? Do you see Costa scoring for Spain in his debut? Do you believe Casillas would move to Schalke?
Share your thoughts below.