Sane out for “three to four” months

Schalke have been dealt a blow with the news that defender Salif Sane will miss the next three to four months following knee surgery. The Senegalese defender had been a key component of David Wagner’s squad this season and has made 11 appearances in all competitions.
However, injury struck on Sunday as he teared his lateral meniscus in his left knee during their 3-2 away win at Augsburg.
He underwent a successful operation on Monday but has now been ruled out of action for the foreseeable future.
March 2019 has been pencilled in for a return date and a club statement read that while he avoided “serious” knee damage, he will be out until the latter stages of the season. “Despite avoiding serious ligament damage in his left knee, Salif Sané will be out for some time. The defender was operated on in the Hessingpark clinic on Monday evening,” read a statement on the club website. “Depending on how quickly he recovers, the 29-year-old will be missing for up to three to four months, keeping him out until the second half of the season.”
Sane joined Schalke from Hannover in the summer of 2018 on a free transfer after exercising an opt-out clause in his contract.
He made 40 appearances in all competitions last season, netting four goals as Schalke ended the season 14^th in the Bundesliga table.
David Wagner’s side have fared better this season, and are currently sixth after their win over Augsburg – though they have fought nearer the top this season.
However, they are likely to suffer for Sane’s absence and so are Senegal.
He will be unavailable for their African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Congo and Eswatini on November 13 and 17 respectively.