AMSTERDAM – Freiburg defensive midfielder Caleb Stanko is set for a long stay in recovery ward after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to his right knee in training.

The Bundesliga side is not setting any return date at this time, but have set the youngster for surgery. The typical recovery for an ACL injury runs about six to nine months from the time of the operation.

"We wouldn't tell how long it is going to take," Freiburg press officer Rudi Raschke told MLSsoccer.com. "He's got all the time until he is completely recovered."

Stanko had been in manager Christian Streich's plans for this season, but has still yet to make his first-team debut. Last year, he dressed for one Bundesliga game against Werder Bremen and one Europa League match against Sevilla.

This term, Stanko has an assist in six starts for Freiburg II, for whom he last appeared in their league win over FK Pirmasens on August 31.