It is every player’s nightmare: a short-term injury so close to an important tournament like the European Championship in a few days. For a former Schalke professional, this is now a bitter reality.
The fans of FC Schalke 04 are closely monitoring the career of Ozan Kabak, who is currently under contract with TSG Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. The Turkish international was injured in an international match and has had to abandon his dream of playing in the European Championship.
Shock for ex-Schalke star
FC Schalke 04 recently had reason to celebrate thanks to Ozan Kabak. The defender brought the Royal Blues a windfall of money (read more here). But now they and millions of Turkish fans will be very sad. Kabak had to leave the Turkish national team’s international match against Italy on Tuesday (4 June) due to injury.
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In the 38th minute, Kabak fell to the ground after a challenge from Italy’s Retegui, who put his body in a bit harder. The Turk then screamed loudly and held his knee. The Turkish doctors immediately rushed to the Hoffenheim star.
The doctors treated the right knee with ice and then decided to substitute Kabak. The defender then had to be carried away on a stretcher, holding his hands in front of his face. The Bologna crowd applauded encouragingly.
European Championship over for Kabak
The injury of the former Schalke star did not look good at all. Kabak was taken to hospital. Then on Wednesday (5 June) came the bitter news: Kabak had torn his cruciate ligament and will therefore miss the European Championship.
This is extremely bitter for both Turkey and Kabak. The 24-year-old will not only miss the European Championship, but will also be unavailable for TSG Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga and in international matches for several months.
The Turkish national team will face Georgia (June 18), Portugal (June 22) and the Czech Republic (June 26) in Group F at the European Championships.