[goldenHuddlestone]

Borussia Dortmund striker Alexander Frei could be in line for a hip operation.

The Switzerland international has been troubled by pain in that area over the last few months, and is seldom able to take part in full team training after matchdays.

“We can't afford to have that going on in the long-term,” said general manager Michael Zorc.

With Dortmund not yet assured of avoiding relegation, coach Thomas Doll insisted the payer would have to “get through the remaining games,” though admitted that an operation could be necessary during the summer break.

“It looks like something will have to be done about it,” he added.