Bayer Leverkusen have sent midfielder Renato Augusto back to Brazil to receive treatment for a knee injury and to enjoy a short break.

The 21-year-old has already flown back to his homeland after being given the green light to consult his doctor of choice about a problem which has ruled him out of his club's last two Bundesliga fixtures.

"He has an oedema on his knee," explained Leverkusen's director of sport Rudi Voller in the Express newspaper.

"We have all sat down and decided that he should fly to Brazil.

"He will be treated there and he can also switch off.

"We expect Renato back at the start of next week."

Wolfsburg also recently sent their striker Grafite back to Brazil for a week, although he was granted a complete break from football after a dip in form.