Football
Stephan Uersfeld, Germany correspondent 8y

Hertha Berlin worried John Brooks may miss Europa League preparations

Hertha Berlin are worried that centre-back John Brooks could miss crucial parts of their preseason as they bid to qualify for Europa League.

Brooks finally cemented his place in the United States side during this summer's Copa America after first breaking on the international scene at the 2014 World Cup.

However, the U.S. defender missed the Copa third-place match against Colombia due to knee inflammation and there's a fear he may now miss the start of the new season.

Back in Germany, his hometown club Hertha Berlin are worried that the injury could serve as a blow for their hopes to qualify for the Europa League over two playoff rounds from late July onwards. 

Instead of going directly into his planned three-week holiday and then reuniting with his team on July 18, the 23-year-old will now visit the German capital to undergo further check-ups, Hertha sporting director Michael Preetz told local paper BZ.

"We don't know how severe his injury is. He will now return to Berlin and will be examined by our team doctor," Preetz said.

"We hope that the injury is not severe. Moreover, because he should go on holiday now and not do rehabilitation training. A bigger injury would be very unfortunate."

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