Howedes to undergo surgery

Schalke have revealed Benedikt Howedes fractured a cheekbone in their 3-1 league win over Stuttgart on Saturday and will require surgery.

The centre-back was forced to leave the pitch shortly before the half-time whistle after an unfortunate collision with Marco Hoger and was immediately taken to hospital.

Schalke have announced on their official website that the 23-year-old has fractured his cheekbone and will go under the knife on Monday.

The length of Howedes’ layoff is undetermined, but Schalke fear that their captain could be unavailable for up to six weeks.

Schalke have climbed to joint first spot in the Bundesliga table following Saturday’s results.