Hertha frustrated by Kalou delay

Salomon Kalou has yet to return to Hertha Berlin after the Ivory Coast’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph, much to the club’s frustration.

Hertha Berlin hope to have Salomon Kalou back for Sunday’s Bundesliga clash with Freiburg despite the forward staying longer with the Ivory Coast following the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kalou and his international team-mates were given a hero’s welcome in Abdijan following their victory on penalties over Ghana in the final on Sunday, securing their second continental trophy.

However, the 29-year-old has yet to return to the German capital as previously agreed with the Ivory Coast ahead of the tournament.

“There was a clear agreement we received in writing from the Ivory Coast prior to the tournament, but apparently that got forgotten in the thrill of victory,” said a frustrated Hertha general manager Michael Preetz.

“This is obviously not ideal, but Solomon is not to blame. He wanted to get away but could not.

“Fortunately, we only play on Sunday.”