Dortmund’s Haller out for ‘several months’ after operation

DORTMUND: Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller has undergone a successful operation on a testicular tumor and will be out for at least “a couple of months,” sporting director Sebastian Kehl said on Wednesday.

Haller signed for Dortmund from Ajax on July 6 for 31 million euros ($31.5 million) but had to leave a pre-season training camp 12 days later for treatment ater the tumor was found. Kehl said Haller’s operation was successful but added the next steps in his treatment were still not fully clear.

“The course of treatment is under discussion, there are different courses,” Kehl said. “We will be missing Sebastien for a couple of months for sure, and as soon as we can be more specific, we will communicate that in the coming days.”

Kehl didn’t specify a diagnosis. Tumors can be benign and do not always lead to a diagnosis of cancer.

When asked if Dortmund would make any new signings to cover for Haller’s absence, Kehl said “we are preparing for various scenarios” in terms of how the team will work this season. Haller was signed as a replacementforerlinghaalandaterthenorwegian joined Manchester City. Kehl said existing players like Netherlands international Donyell Malen and 17-year-old Youssoufa Moukoko could fill the gap.

“We’re only going to do something if it really makes sense in the end, and otherwise we’ll put our trust in the guys we have here,” Kehl said.

Haller scored 34 goals for Ajax last season, including 11 in eight Champions League games.

Dortmund starts its season on Friday with a German Cup game at third-division club 1860 Munich.

Meanwhile,bayernmunichchiefexecutiveoliver Kahn said on Wednesday that making a move for Cristiano Ronaldo in the transfer market would not fit the club’s “philosophy”.

Manchester United striker Ronaldo reportedly wants to leave the club he rejoined last year, although new Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag has insisted the five-time Ballon d’or winner is not for sale.