Six months out

Sal Zizzo was working hard during the first training session of the week. The American twisted his left knee without any challenge being made. The worst fears were only confirmed later. The 22 year old suffered a severe injury, tearing both the cruciate and collateral ligaments in the left knee and will now be forced to miss the next half a year in recovery. Zizzo had only played 14 minutes of first team football, but played regularly for the under 23s.

We wish Sal Zizzo a speedy recovery!

Robert Enke and other returnees
Despite the bad news regarding new injury worries, there is light at the end of the tunnel for Hannover’s squad. Captain Robert Enke hopes to return to training on Tuesday but will not travel to Hamburg with the national side for the tie with Finland.

Tuesday also sees the return of centre back Mario Eggimann (following spinal problems), Arnold Bruggink and Dider Ya Konan (flu) as well as Christian Schulz (subject to examination in Munich after recurring back problems).

Long list of injuries
Left winger Konstantin Rausch is currently undergoing treatment for dizziness, while forward Mike Hanke has still not returned to full team training. The 25 year old had just recovered from a tonsil operation, only to need further treatment on a persistent knee problem. Hanke’s teammate upfront, Mikael Forssell, will remain in Finland until the start of November following a foot operation. Unfortunately an intensive rehabilitation or training program is not possible so soon after the operation. Keeper Morten Jensen is also currently out of action. The 22 year old is still suffering with the flu. Hannover 96 must also deal with long term injuries to Vinicius, Altin Lala, Leon Andreasen and Jan Schlaudraff.