Goalkeeper Kahn has mysterious eye problem

MUNICH, Germany (AP) -- Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper and captain Oliver Kahn is battling a mysterious eye illness that he hopes can be treated over the next few days.

"It's a really strong inflammation against which you can do certain things," Kahn told the N24 television news channel Friday.

"It will be treated over the next few days and hopefully it will disappear," he said on another TV station, Sat.1.

Kahn underwent another examination Friday and doctors were trying to determine whether a sinus infection and ear problems were responsible for his eye ailment. The goalkeeper has been suffering from apparent conjunctivitis since June and has often appeared with swollen eyes.

"Oliver has great problems and is being treated by specialists," Bayern coach Ottmar Hitzfeld told reporters.

"The doctors don't know yet what it is. They are trying everything. We have to watch out that it doesn't become chronic," Hitzfeld said. "The inflammation has worsened."

Hitzfeld said he expected Kahn to be able to play against Bundesliga leader Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday at Munich's Olympic stadium and the goalkeeper himself later confirmed his intention to play.

Earlier in the day, Kahn said the ailment was affecting his preparation for matches.

"I can only say that the mental pressure is now immense," he told reporters.

"When you are permanently confronted with the problem before a game, you focus not on the opponent, you are too preoccupied with yourself," Kahn said. "That's a burden."

The swelling in his eyes nearly prevented Kahn from playing against Celtic Glasgow in the Champions League on Wednesday, which Bayern won 2-1. Only an emergency acupuncture treatment allowed Kahn to play. He warmed up wearing a headband.

"If sweat comes into his eyes, it makes the inflammation worse," Hitzfeld said.

Kahn's problems were first evident in June, when he was substituted at halftime of a Euro 2004 qualifying game against the Faeroe Islands.

"I didn't take it so seriously," Kahn said.

(ns)