EURO 2008 INFO

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Bernd Schneider has been ruled out of contention for Euro 2008 after undergoing back surgery recently.

The 34-year-old, who has won 81 caps for his country, suffered a slipped disc last Friday but emerged from the operation confident he would recover within two months.

However, after a telephone conversation with Germany coach Joachim Low on Friday, it has been agreed that he will concentrate on making a full recovery and will not be considered this summer.

"Losing Bernd hurts us a lot because of his experience and qualities as a leading figure of our national team," explained Low.

"After intentionally waiting for a few days after the operation to decide on his inclusion for Euro 2008, in consultation with the doctors, we have got to accept that his recovery programme cannot be speeded up to return to training soon.

"The most important thing right now is that Bernd is fit again for next season and can continue his career."

Schneider requires around two months to fully recover from the operation, according to the doctors who treated him.

This means he will only be able to recommence training at the end of June.

Schneider had hoped to earn a call-up anyway with the chance of returning for the latter stages of the tournament, but that would have been too big a risk for Low, who will name his 23-man squad at the end of May.

"We are now clear with the new situation so we can consider it in our plans for Euro 2008," added Low.

Although disappointed to miss out on the chance to participate in Austria and Switzerland, Schneider remains hopeful he will still represent Germany on the world stage again.

He added on www.dfb.de: "It is annoying, but my health is more important and is the priority.

"But in two years there is the World Cup and perhaps I can still take part in that."