FC Schalke 04 will have to do without Sepp van den Berg and Rodrigo Zalazar for a long time. The duo suffered serious injuries in the Bundesliga game against FC Augsburg and will not play again this year.

As if the defeat against FCA wasn't bitter enough, Schalke 04 now have to do without two important players in Sepp van den Berg and Rodrigo Zalazar for a long time. On Monday, the Knappen announced the diagnosis of the duo, both will be out at least until the end of the year.

As expected, van den Berg, who unluckily twisted his ankle against Augsburg, suffered a severe ligament injury; but at least no break, as was suspected after the game. It was no less difficult for Zalazar, who was only a substitute against Augsburg: the Uruguayan broke his metatarsus and is also out for a long time.

"It's extremely bitter," said sporting director Rouven Schröder. "In the past we have shown several times that as a group we can absorb injury-related absences, no matter how serious they are - we will do it again this time. We have absolute confidence in the squad. We wish Sepp and Rodri a speedy recovery. Both will have our full support so that they can be back on the pitch as soon as possible."

This article was originally published on 90min.com/de as Year: Schalke announces diagnoses at van den Berg and Zalazar.