Leverkusen will have to kick off the season without their central defender Oemer Toprak, who suffered a thigh injury during a friendly, the "Werkself" announced via the club' s official homepage on Monday.

The Turkish international suffered the injury during Sunday's 3-1 win in a friendly over Italian outfit Chievo Verona. Coach Roger Schmidt already suspected that "this won't be a short-term problem", and he proved to be right, as Toprak sustained a tendon rupture in his left thigh, which was diagnosed following an MRI scan.

The 26-year-old defender will immediately begin with the rehabilitation process. He will be sidelined for a longer term nonetheless.

Toprak has been a part of the "Werkself" since July 2011 and became a key player in their defence. He made 110 Bundesliga appearances with two assists and three goals.

Bayer Leverkusen will face Hoffenheim at the first round in Bundesliga on Aug. 15. Endi

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