Leverkusen, Germany - Bayer Leverkusen have renewed the contract of veteran midfielder Bernd Schneider by one year until 2010, the Bundesliga club said on Monday.

Schneider, 34, has been sidelined since April with a back injury, but coach Bruno Labbadia said the contract renewal was not merely a nice gesture. He said he expected the 81-times capped Schneider to strengthen the team once he returns.

Leverkusen lie second in the league, one point behind surprise leaders Hoffenheim. (dpa)