Bender to miss season opener
Dortmund - Borussia Dortmund midfielder Sven Bender will miss the start of the 2012/13 Bundesliga campaign after it was announced he would undergo a hernia operation on Monday.
Out of Argentina match
Bender's need to go under the knife has left the reigning Bundesliga champions short of options in midfield ahead of Sunday's Supercup tie with FC Bayern Munich. The procedure, which will target both groin muscles, is likely to keep the 23-year-old out of action for up to four weeks according to BVB club doctor Markus Braun.
The injury has also denied the former 1860 Munich player a chance to win his third cap for Germany. The dynamic midfielder had been included in Joachim Löw's 19-man squad to face Argentina in Frankfurt on 15 August, but once again it will be left to twin brother Lars to fly the Bender flag in the national team.
Want more Bundesliga Action?