De Jong to have surgery

Augsburg midfielder Marcel de Jong could be ruled out for the rest of the season depending on the results of ankle surgery.

Midfielder ruptures ankle ligaments and could miss remainder of season

Augsburg's versatile midfielder, Marcel de Jong, could be ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining an ankle injury which requires surgery. The 25-year-old ruptured ankle ligaments in the recent goalless draw against Nurnberg after just eight minutes. De Jong is now set for an operation and Augsburg manager Jos Luhukay has admitted the absence will be a tough obstacle for the club. He said: "It is a bitter blow for Marcel de Jong and a setback for us as a club. "Marcel had been playing regularly in our first team, which means we will now have to do without him." Augsburg have been unable to put a date on De Jong's return, but confirmed he is to go under the knife. A statement read: "Marcel de Jong has sustained a ligament injury and will therefore be unavailable for training and match action for the time being. "Marcel de Jong will have to have a surgery. The extent of the surgery will prove the length of his lay-off."