Kicker speculates that a third reason is the real one for the failed negotiations with WBA (instead of lacking perspective or money): “The back is much more in trouble than it was known. Because of that he already missed the pre-season and got medical treatment in Los Angeles instead. And now the 31 year old I threatened by a long break. A joint (sciatica-sacral) near the ??? (German: Steißbein) is worn out. It can be strengthened with injections or with a surgery. The first option would cause a break of about four weeks, the second option twice as much. Today it will be decided, which one is the best variety for the health of the model athlete.”
The literal translation of Steißbein is rump bone. In English, it's called the coccyx or tailbone. If the injury is just to this bone, it can be painful but is unlikely to have long term consequences. But the talk of joint and sacral problems makes me suspect it is a disk problem, in other words, a problem in one of the joints of the spine. Perhaps the L5-S1 joint, which is the lowest active joint of the spine (L5 = 5th lumbar vertabra; S1 = 1st sacral vertebra; the remaining sacral vertabrae and the coccyx are fused and have no disks, since we humans have no more need for a tail). Problems in the L5-S1 and L4-L5 joints often lead to the excruciating hip and leg pain known as sciatica, since the sciatic nerve and other leg nerves pass through these joints. The other major joint in this area that can be a source of trouble is the sacro-iliac joint, between the sacrum (bottom of the spine) and the illium (hipbone). My wife has been battling problems in these joints for almost 20 years. I hope this isn't happening to Tony. Of course, he probably hasn't subjected these joints to the stress of delivering three children.
It does add new light to the whole Sanneh situation and perhaps give understanding to why he was so out of form before the break.
Come on, no reason for the sexist notions. If Tony wants to bear children, we should all agree that he has the right to bear children...
take the surgery early tony (if that's what is needed)! don't be a hero and damage the rest of your career. you already started late. more $$ ahead if you heal up and do well!