Socceroo and Bayer Leverkusen winger Robbie Kruse will again spend more time on the sidelines, after suffering a medial ligament injury against Jordan on Tuesday night.
The 27-year-old sustained a horror tackle from Jordan midfielder Yousef Ahmad Al-Rawashdeh during the second-half and appeared to be screaming in agony.
Al-Rawashdeh was fortunate to have remained on the park after being brandished a yellow card from the South Korean referee as replays illustrated the defender lunged into the tackle with both feet off the ground.
Although he was slow to get to his feet, Kruse returned to the field but was substituted minutes later as a precaution.
However, his German club Bayer confirmed that Kruse is now expected to miss upcoming matches for the side.
Leverkusen boss Roger Schmidt told the club’s official website that he was disappointed by the challenge, but admitted it could have been more serious for the ex-Melbourne Victory man.
“Robbie [Kruse] has a slight ligament strain. If you have seen the challenge, I have to say fortunately it is not worse,” Schmidt said to Bayer04.de.
“That’s an assault.”
Think Simon Hill puts it best – horrid tackle. #AUSvJOR pic.twitter.com/huSzQo5jjo
— Outside90 (@Outside90) March 29, 2016
Kruse had only returned from a lengthy spell on the treatment table, which hampered his loan with VfB Stuttgart and moved back to his parent club after Die Roten terminated the contract in February.
Kruse has amassed a total of just 10 Bundesliga appearances this season and is yet to open his account.
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