Berlin: Hannover midfielder Welington Wildy Muniz dos Santos, known as Franca, has been diagnosed with tuberculosis following a medical check-up, the club said.
The Brazilian new arrival was admitted to the hospital with a suspicion of pneumonia. However, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. The 21-year-old midfielder was then sent to the Oststadt-Heidehaus hospital where he is receiving special treatment.
In the meantime, Hannover’s local health authorities were called in to avoid spreading of the disease. In addition, Franca’s teammates were informed of the disease before the afternoon training session.
“The source of the infection is very unlikely to have come from the team, let alone Hannover. The illness becomes apparent around four months after the infection,” director of Hannover’s tuberculosis information centre Helga Heykes-Uden told the club’s official website.
Franca joined Hannover on a three-year contract last month but is ye to play for his new side.
“It’s a real shame for Franca. The most important thing is that he gets well. We wish him the best recovery and know he is in good hands,” Hannover’s sporting director Joerg Schmadtke said.
Hannover are eighth in the Bundesliga table with 30 points after 22 games. They host Hamburg on Saturday.
