Unnerstall blow for Schalke
Bundesliga
The 21-year-old was substituted by Timo Hildebrand at half-time during the Royal Blues' 4-0 win over Wolfsburg on Sunday after a painful collision with opposition striker Mario Mandzukic.
It has now been confirmed that Unnerstall has damaged his acromioclavicular joint, which connects the collar bone and the scapula.
"Lars Unnerstall had to be replaced at half-time in the 4-0 victory over Wolfsburg, because of a shoulder joint injury," the club's official website confirmed.
However, there was some promising news in that Unnerstall would not require surgery to correct the problem.
"After investigations, Dr. Michael J. Raschke director of the University hospital in Munster is certain: the 21-year-old does not need surgery.
"The acromioclavicular breakup is to be treated conservatively. Unnerstall will be unavailable for selection for several weeks," the statement continued.
The 21-year-old is the second Schalke goalkeeper to suffer a heavy injury this term after summer signing Ralf Fahrmann suffered a severe knee knock last October.
Coach Huub Stevens response to the injury was: “As for Lars Unnerstall's injury, it shows we were right to sign Timo Hildebrand in autumn.”
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