AMSTERDAM – Hannover 96 captain Steve Cherundolo has suffered another setback in his recovery effort, meaning he will miss their weekend trip to face nearby rivals Werder Bremen.
The club confirmed German reports that the US right back returned to training alone to the side on Wednesday. Cherundolo is still attempting to make his season debut, having endured three operations on his troublesome left knee in the past year.
"Steve can't work actually with the team, he has an individualized program in these days," Reds press officer Alex Jacob told MLSsoccer.com on Friday afternoon. "So he can't play at Sunday in Bremen."
Cherundolo, who also missed nine games over the back half of last season dealing with knee problems, is the longest-serving active one-club man in the Bundesliga. He is also the all-time club leader in top flight appearances with 300.
Hannover started the season well without him, but has slumped in recent weeks. They stand 10th through 10 rounds, two points short of the last Europa League spot.
Greg Seltzer covers Americans based in Europe for MLSsoccer.com.
