Metabolic Disorder Sidelines Ex-Hertha Talent Eichhorn

Bundesliga club Bayer Leverkusen announced that their promising 17-year-old recruit, Kennet Eichhorn, will be taking an indefinite break from football due to a diagnosed metabolic disorder. The condition was identified during a medical examination, and the club confirmed that it requires treatment. Eichhorn, formerly of Hertha BSC, had experienced significant physical strain and subsequent weight loss following a gastrointestinal illness, which is believed to have preceded the metabolic issue.

Simon Rolfes, Leverkusen's managing director of sport, emphasized the club's full support for the young talent. "Kennet is facing what we hope will be a very long career at the highest level. We will support him in this path as best we can," Rolfes stated. He added, "What is important at this stage is that we have initiated the right measures for his recovery and that Kennet receives the necessary time and peace for his treatment without pressure."

Eichhorn is expected to begin his treatment at a specialized facility. Bayer Leverkusen has not provided a timeline for his return to play. Speculation about a persistent infection had circulated in the days leading up to the team's training camp. Eichhorn, who was reportedly courted by top European clubs, transferred from Berlin to Leverkusen in the summer for an estimated nine million euros. Last season, he played 19 games for the Hertha BSC first team, despite being only 16 years old.