Schweinsteiger ticked off at knee infection

AFP - 27 April 2007 15:12

Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, seen here on 07 April 2007, has said that a mysterious infection which recently sidelined him with right knee trouble was caused by a tick.

MUNICH, Germany (AFP) - Bayern Munich midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said Friday the mysterious infection which has sidelined him with right knee trouble recently was caused by a tick.

Ticks are commonplace in the forests and countryside of southern Germany, and can transmit diseases to humans - including Lyme's disease.

A bacterial infection, Lyme's produces symptoms which can include muscle and joint pains, arthritis, cognitive defects, neurological complaints or fatigue.

"It turned out to be a tick bite which stopped me from being able to train. The doctors diagnosed me with having Lyme's disease," said the Germany international, whose last match for Bayern was against AC Milan in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final.

Schweinsteiger said a treatment of antibiotics has had the desired effect and has returned to training although he may take no further part in the Bundesliga this season.

German champions Bayern are currently nine points behind league leaders Schalke 04 with four matches remaining.