Hannover captain Steven Cherundolo is likely to miss the club's pre-season as he will undergo surgery on a knee injury on Friday.
Cherundolo admitted that the timing of surgery is "frustrating" but it should allow him to begin the new season free from injury.
"The injury is frustrating, as is the timing," Bundesliga.com quotes the American international as saying.
"However, I am in good hands with the medical team here and I'm convinced that this operation will help me to come back and train without pain."
Cherundolo has made over 300 appearances for Hannover since joining them in 1999.