Borussia Mönchengladbach captain Tim Kleindienst's comeback from major knee surgery has unfortunately been delayed. The 30-year-old's Bundesliga club confirmed that Kleindienst – after making two symbolic late substitute appearances in the league and one in the cup – will be sidelined for the rest of the calendar year after undergoing a fresh surgical procedure over the weekend.
Kleindienst's knee evidently began acting up again, necessitating arthroscopic surgery. Gladbach made certain to emphasize that the procedure was " minimally invasive " and will likely only sideline the skipper for about a month. The fact that the Bundesliga is set to enter its winter break means that Kleindienst might only miss an additional three to four matchdays.
The nature of Kleindienst's original injury nevertheless meant that the German international could only hope to come back slowly in the first place. The new setback could mean that Kleindienst won't be ready for regular action until mid-to-late February. BMG sporting director Rouven Schröder issued a statement on the matter on Monday.
" This is bitter for Tim and bitter for Borussia, but things like this can be expected after such a long injury layoff, " Schröder said. " Tim has worked his way through rehab in an exemplary manner over the past few months and will do so again this time. "
