Severin Freund is forced to take a break from competition due to back problems and will miss at least the next World Cup in Zakopane (POL).

"He sustained a herniated lumbar disk, that can be treated conservatively for now. Severin will do a regenerative training as well as a special physical training. This combination shall bring back the necessary stability", said team doctor Dr. Mark Dorfmueller.

Right now it's still open when the German will be able to compete again. "I have been struggling with back problems since the fall in Innsbruck. Now after the Ski Flying World Championships I got to the bottom of it. That's why I decided that I won't go to Zakopane and follow the doctor's advice to do a special training program. I want to keep the further planning open, because I know from the past how difficult it is to make any predictions concerning the healing process. Basically I'm in a good shape and I'm optimistic that I'll be able to compete in the World Cup again soon", saidSeverin Freund.

The German team for the upcoming event in Poland will consist of Richard Freitag, StephanLeyhe, David Siegel, Andreas Wank, Andreas Wellinger and Michael Neumayer.

"The shape of Richard Freitag and Andreas Wellinger was getting better and better recently. AlsoAndreas Wank and Stephan Leyhe had great jumps this winter, so these athletes have the potential to fill the gap now. David Siegel, who scored World Cup points for the first time in the New Year's event in 16th, confirmed his good shape with two second places in the Continental Cup inWillingen and deserved another chance in the World Cup. The place of Severin Freund will be taken by veteran Michael Neumayer", head coach Werner Schuster explains the nomination.

Source: fis-ski.com