Hamburg's Adler set for surgery
Hamburger SV have suffered an untimely setback in their attempt to lift themselves off the foot of the Bundesliga table with news that goalkeeper Rene Adler is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with an elbow injury.
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The 31-year-old former Germany international – ever–present for the Red Shorts so far this season – requires surgery to correct a problem in the joint and is not expected to return to action until the New Year. "There is inflammation in the elbow; an operation is unavoidable and means [Adler] will probably miss the remainder of the first-half of the season," HSV coach Markus Gisdol confirmed.
Watch: Check out Adler's heroics for the Red Shorts on Matchday 5:
The news means that Christian Mathenia could be set to make his competitive debut for Hamburg against Gisdol’s former side, the third-placed TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, on Sunday. HSV have failed to win a Bundesliga game this season, losing eight of their ten games to date in the German top flight.
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