The Mannschaft will have to participate in the Qatar tournament without a key forward.
Germany striker Timo Werner will miss the World Cup after suffering a ligament injury on Wednesday.
The 26-year-old had to leave the pitch in the first half of RB Leipzig’s 4-0 win over Shakhtar Donetsk. A strong challenge by Taras Stepanenko ended Werner’s World Cup dreams as he suffered a ligament tear.
On Thursday, Leipzig confirmed Werner’s injury via an official statement.
“Timo Werner suffered an ankle injury last night in the win over Shakhtar Donetsk,” the German club wrote.
“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.”
Werner made his international debut in 2017, scoring 24 goals in his 55 appearances for the national team.
Hansi Flick has repeatedly insisted on Werner’s crucial role in his side’s attacking setup. But he now has to quickly find a replacement for the former Chelsea star.
Reacting to the news of Werner’s injury, Flick said: “This news is very sad. I feel very sorry for Timo personally because he really wanted to play the World Cup.
The Germany boss added: “Timo’s absence is a huge loss especially for the team. We all wish him a speedy recovery.”
Werner’s absence will open up World Cup possibilities for a host of German strikers. Borussia Dortmund’s Youssoufa Moukoko has shown impressive form recently, while the German media has also speculated on Niclas Füllkrug’s call-up to the national team.
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