Barnetta facing long layoff after knee surgery

Published Aug. 28, 2011 10:10 a.m. ET

foxsports

Bayer Leverkusen says Tranquillo Barnetta faces a long spell on the sidelines after an operation on his right knee.

Leverkusen said Sunday that the Swiss midfielder will have an operation on Monday, with surgery conducted by team doctor Ulrich Boenisch in Augsburg.

Barnetta injured his knee in a friendly against second-division Bochum in January.

Leverkusen, last season's runner-up, drew 0-0 with defending champion Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.