Schalke's Weston McKennie ruled out for six weeks after suffering knee ligament injury against Hannover
Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie has been ruled out for six weeks after suffering a partial rupture to the medial collateral ligament in his right knee during his side's 1-1 draw with Hannover on Matchday 19, the Royal Blues confirmed on Monday.
The USA international came off the bench in the 63rd minute at the VELTINS Arena, replacing Bayern Munich-bound Leon Goretzka in central midfield. However, he only lasted 20 minutes on the field, as a clash of knees in a tackle with Hannover's Felix Klaus left the 19-year-old clutching his right knee.
He tried to continue after the original challenge and hobbled on for a few seconds, before going to ground again in obvious discomfort. After a brief examination on the pitch from the club's medical staff, the Texan was then escorted off for further treatment, with Benjamin Stambouli coming on in his stead.
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McKennie, who is enjoying his breakthrough season as a senior player for club and country, is expected to miss Bundesliga games against Stuttgart, Werder Bremen, Bayern, Hoffenheim, Bayer Leverkusen and Hertha Berlin, as well as Schalke's DFB Cup quarter-final with Wolfsburg.
The Royal Blues currently occupy third place in the Bundesliga standings, but are without a win in their last seven matches.