By CALEB SONNELAND
Bayern Munich will have to do without one of its most influential players for the remainder of the year as vice-captain Bastian Schweinsteiger will be removed from action until 2012.
After landing awkwardly following an aerial battle with Napoli's Gökhan Inler in a Champions League match, Schweinsteiger immediately began clutching his shoulder and medical attention was rushed over.
The injury means that the German midfielder will miss the remaining Champions League group games, the German International fixtures, as well crucial Bundesliga games against Borussia Dortmund (11/19), Werder Bremen (12/3), Stuttgart (12/10) and Borussia Mochengladbach (12/21).
Bayern currently sits four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga, but the loss of Schweinsteiger is yet to be seen as the all-time winner of the league looks to add another notch to its belt.
Here are some other stories to keep your Thursday rolling along:
GERRARD COULD RETURN AFTER INTERNATIONAL BREAK
The injury buzz around Steven Gerrard this year has been constant, with the beleaguered captain never seeming to catch a break. Most recently, the Liverpool captain was seen leaving a local hospital on crutches and his foot in a walking cast.
That said, Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish believes that, while Gerrard is certain to miss this week's clash with Swansea and the England friendlies the week after, the Liverpool native has a shot at returning to action — in a crucial away trip to Chelsea.
Initially projected to be sidelined for up to a week, Dalglish's news will be welcome to Liverpool fans as the match with Chelsea is monumental. Not to mention, the following fixture is Manchester City at Anfield.
GERVINHO PLUGS HAZARD FOR EPL
Days after revealing that he was ready to leave Ligue 1 after the conclusion of the current season, Eden Hazard is already having his name called from abroad.
Arsenal attacker Gervinho and former teammate of Hazard at Lille claims that Hazard would have great success in England, should he make the switch in the summer.
The host of clubs interested in the Belgian winger is lengthy, with names like Real Madrid, AC Milan, Inter Milan checking in, as well as EPL big guns Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Gervinho has registered two goals and four assists so far in only seven Premier League games, a stat which could buoy Hazard's hopes for success in England.
CASSANO TO HAVE HEART SURGERY
AC Milan's Antonio Cassano will require a "small heart operation" after suffering from a heart problem early Sunday morning on a plane with his teammates.
Cassano began experiencing problems with his speech, vision and motor skills before being rushed to the hospital and being diagnosed as having had a stroke.
Though the Serie A giants expect Cassano to suit up for the club in the future, it won't be for "several months" until the striker is able to do so.
Cassano joined Milan in the 2011 January transfer window from Sampdoria, and, this season, has bagged two goals while picking up seven assists.
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How will Bayern cope without Schweinsteiger and that slate of games? Think Gerrard makes it back for Chelsea? What league would best suit Hazard?
