According to his club RB Leipzig, German striker Timo Werner will not compete in the upcoming World Cup in Qatar due to an ankle injury.
Following a knock, Werner was replaced in Leipzig’s 4-0 Champions League victory over Shakhtar Donetsk on Wednesday. The syndesmosis ligament in his left ankle was torn, according to scans performed today in Leipzig. He will be sidelined for the remainder of 2022, according to the Bundesliga team.
In 55 international appearances for Germany, the 26-year-old has 24 goals, including five goals in qualifying.
Germany coach Hansi Flick described the news as “extremely unpleasant.” “I genuinely feel bad for Timo since he won’t be able to participate in the World Cup, which he really wanted to.
Timo’s absence, though, is a huge loss, particularly for the team. We will be without a true team player in addition to needing a good striker with a high goal rate in the national jersey.
“First and foremost, we all wish Timo a rapid recovery from his injury.”
On November 23 in Al Rayyan, Germany takes on Japan to begin their quest for a sixth World Cup victory before facing Spain and Costa Rica in Group E.
Werner’s absence is added to Flick’s list of absentees, which already includes Leroy Sane of Bayern Munich, who is now out with a knee ailment, and captain Manuel Neuer, who hasn’t played since October 8 due to a shoulder injury and is questionable for the world championship.
Both Niclas Fuellkrug of Werder Bremen and Karim Adeyemi of Borussia Dortmund are expected to replace Werner in the lineup.
