Leverkusen’s Castro out last 5 matches of season

Leverkusen says Castro needs surgery to repair cartilage in his left knee after getting injured in Wednesday's training session. (Frank Augstein/AP)

LEVERKUSEN, Germany — Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Gonzalo Castro will miss the final five matches of the Bundesliga season because of a knee injury.

Leverkusen says Castro needs surgery to repair cartilage in his left knee after getting injured in Wednesday’s training session.

Castro’s absence could be a handicap for Leverkusen as it seeks to gain a direct slot in next season’s Champions League. Leverkusen is currently third on goal difference ahead of Borussia Moenchengladbach.

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