Hertha Berlin future in doubt for Australia international forward Nikita Rukavytsya

Hertha Berlin future in doubt for Australia international Nikita Rukavytsya

Aug 2, 2012 9:09:00 AM

The Socceroos forward is battling a calf injury, but his time at German second-tier club Hertha Berlin could be coming to an end regardless

Nikita Rukavytsya's pre-season preparations have been hampered by a muscle injury, while the Australia international forward's future at Hertha Berlin remains far from assured.

The 25-year-old remained in Berlin as the 2.Bundesliga club toured Austria in July, and is still on a modified recovery program ahead of Hertha's opening match of the season on Friday against Paderborn.

How long he will remain at the capital club is still a matter of some conjecture, however. Rukavytsya was linked with a transfer to Bundesliga outfit FSV Mainz in the German press in July, and Goal.com understands he could still be on the move before the transfer window shuts at the end of August.

The Ukraine-born speedster suffered a frustrating 2011-12 campaign at Hertha, making 16 starts but occasionally struggling for opportunities as the club suffered relegation back to Germany's second tier.

The Perth Glory product had been one of Hertha's better-performed players in their promotion season in 2010-11, claiming 13 assists and scoring four goals in his debut campaign at the club after moving from Eredivisie outfit FC Twente.

He won a long-awaited recall to the Australia squad in May, having not been selected in over a year.

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