[goldenHuddlestone]

Midfielder Christoph Preuss will miss the start of Eintracht Frankfurts UEFA Cup group stage campaign as he needs surgery on a troublesome knee.

The 25-year-old had complained about knee problems for several weeks but still appeared as a second-half substitute in four league games. Coach Friedhelm Funkel announced after last nights 2-2 UEFA Cup draw at Brøndby IF, however, that Preuss would now undergo surgery to repair cartilage damage in Cologne and would be out of action for about three weeks.

Preuss, who only returned to action recently following a back problem, will thus miss Eintrachts opening game in the group stage of the competition