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Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that striker Sebastien Haller has been diagnosed with testicular cancer after falling ‘unwell’ in training on Monday.
The Ivorian only arrived at the Bundesliga club earlier this month after completing his move from Ajax for £31m.
Dortmund released a statement on Monday evening providing an update on Haller’s condition.
‘Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastien Haller had to leave the BVB training camp in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland early due to illness and has already travelled back to Dortmund,’ the statement read.
‘The 28-year-old international from the Ivory Coast complained of being unwell after training on Monday morning.
‘In the course of intensive medical examinations, a tumour was finally discovered in the testicles during the course of the day. During the coming days, further examinations will take place in a specialised medical centre.
‘Borussia Dortmund asks that the privacy of the player and his family be respected and that no questions be asked. As soon as we have further information, we will inform you in consultation with the player.’
The club’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl has admitted that the news has left everybody shocked, and has insisted that Dortmund will support Haller with his recovery.
‘This news today came as a shock to Sebastien Haller and to all of us. The entire BVB family wishes Sebastien a full recovery as soon as possible and that we can hug him again soon.
‘We will do everything in our power to ensure that he receives the best possible treatment,’ he said.
Haller enjoyed the best goalscoring season of his career last term, netting 34 goals in all competition for Ajax.
He was particularly impressive in the Champions League as he scored 11 times in just eight matches before the Amsterdam club were eliminated at the last 16 stage.
His switch to Dortmund looked set to see him fill the void left behind by Erling Haaland, who joined Manchester City earlier this summer.
However, he has not had the opportunity to make a competitive appearance for Dortmund yet.