Bitter for Bitter: Eight months out

It will be a bitter early end of the season for Johannes Bitter: The goalkeeper at HSV Hamburg was severely injured during their VELUX EHF Champions League second leg clash with Berlin (23:24) on Sunday. After a medical examination Bitter has been ruled out for around eight months after a rupture of the crucial ligament and several other ligament injuries in his knee.

"This is really bad news. But it is not worth looking back, as I cannot change anything," Bitter was quoted as saying on the HSV website. "I will fight for my comeback,"

HSV coach, director and President Martin Schwalb was shocked: "This is the worst news a handball player can receive. Currently we have the same case with our right back Oscar Carlen. We wish all the best for Jogi."

2007 World Champion Bitter has his operation on Thursday. HSV did not only lose Bitter, but also the second leg match against Füchse Berlin which means they were eliminated from the Last 16 for the first time ever in their club's history.