Bayer's Papadopoulos set for spell out
Bayer Leverkusen will be without Greece defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos for the next three months as they push for an automatic UEFA Champions League place for next season. The 23-year-old needs an operation on Monday after dislocating his left shoulder in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Cologne in the Rhine derby.
The Greece International's injury leaves Leverkusen short on centre-backs after Bosnia captain Emir Spahic was sacked by the club earlier this month after assaulting a steward. Leverkusen are battling Borussia Moenchengladbach for third in the Bundesliga for a direct path into the Champions League.
Fourth place means a two-legged play-off to reach Europe's top domestic competition. Leverkusen face a tough run in as they host Bayern Munich on Saturday, then Gladbach, mid-table sides Hoffenheim and Eintracht Frankfurt before the season ends on 23 May.