Bayer Leverkusen have signed Greece defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos on loan from Bundesliga rivals Schalke 04 until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old, who was once on Liverpool's radar, has been plagued by injuries during much of the last two seasons, but has claimed that he wants to put his past worries behind him with his new club.

"I'm really pleased this transfer's worked out," Papadopoulos said on Bayer's official website.

"Just like Schalke, Leverkusen are a very ambitious club. Unfortunately I was injured often last season, but now I'm fully fit again and highly motivated to reach my personal aims and those of the club this season."

Papadopoulos was forced to miss Greece's successful World Cup campaign due to persistent injury troubles.