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Schneider confirmed as EURO absentee

Bernd Schneider will definitely miss Germany's UEFA EURO 2008™ campaign after undergoing surgery on a herniated disc in his back last week.

Absence confirmed
The Bayer 04 Leverkusen midfielder was originally rated as doubtful for the tournament after the operation in Hanover on 25 April. Today, however, Germany coach Joachim Löw received final confirmation of the 34-year-old's unavailability, when he was informed that Schneider has been told not to resume training for the foreseeable future.

'Vital element'
"The loss of Bernd Schneider really hurts us, as with his experience and class he is a vital element and leader in our team," said Löw, whose side face Poland in their Group B opener on 8 June. "We waited a few extra days to allow the doctors to come to a decision about the EURO but now we must accept the fact that Bernd's recovery programme will not allow for a speedy return."

Replacements
The news nonetheless means that Löw can focus his attentions on finding a replacement for Schneider during Germany's remaining pre-tournament friendlies. "Now we have a definite decision, we can better prepare for a new situation," said Löw. Schneider, who featured six times during qualification for UEFA EURO 2008™, has been restricted to 15 Bundesliga appearances this term.

euro2008.uefa.com - Schneider confirmed as EURO absentee