Gustavo Varela flies to Uruguay for knee operation
13.02.2007
Dario Rodriguez proved his friendship yet again on Monday when he drove Gustavo Varela to the airport. The Schalke striker is returning home to Uruguay for an operation on the cruciate ligament tear he sustained during the home clash with Hertha BSC Berlin on Saturday.
The surgery will be performed by Uruguay team doctor Dr Carlos Suero. Valera, 28, whose foot just got stuck in the turf with no opposition player near him, has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Two other Schalke players have grounds for hope, however. Leven Kobiashvili should resume full training this week, possibly even on Tuesday. The left-sided utility player has been out for the last two weeks after picking up a painful toe injury. Hamit Altintop is also due back in training again. The Turkey international suffered a deep cut in his foot during his brief appearance against Hertha.
