Germany striker Timo Werner has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar with an ankle injury, NRTC reports.
This was confirmed in a statement released by his German club RB Leipzig on Thursday.
Werner was forced off early in Leipzig’s 4-0 Champions League match win over Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday.
“Scans today in Leipzig showed that he has unfortunately torn the syndesmosis ligament in his left ankle and will therefore be out for the rest of 2022,” the Bundesliga team said in a statement.
The 26-year-old has scored 24 times in 55 international matches for Germany. He scored five goals during World Cup qualification.
“This news is very bitter,” said Germany coach Hansi Flick on Timo Werner missing the World Cup. “I’m very sorry for Timo personally because he’s missing out on the World Cup, which he really wanted to play.
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“But Timo’s absence is a great loss, especially for the team. We have to have an excellent striker with a strong goal rate in the national jersey and we’ll also be without a real team player.
“First of all, we all wish that Timo gets fit again quickly.”
Werner rejoined Leipzig from Premier League club Chelsea before the start of the season. He has scored nine goals already in all competitions this term.
Germany begin their quest for a record-equalling fifth World Cup title against Japan on November 23 in Al Rayyan. Die Mannschaft will also play against Spain and Costa Rica in Group E.
In the same vein, Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane is also presently on the treatment table with a knee injury. Timo Werner’s World Cup absence has now added to Flick’s problems up front.
Meanwhile, Werder Bremen striker Niclas Fuellkrug and Borussia Dortmund youngster Karim Adeyemi could be possible replacements for Werner in the Germany squad.
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Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has not played since October 8 due to a shoulder injury and remains a doubt as well.
Flick is expected to name his 26-man squad for the World Cup on November 16.
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