Shock diagnosis for Timo Werner: One day after the acclaimed entry into the round of 16 of the Champions League, the RB Leipzig striker’s World Cup dreams were shattered. The national soccer player is out for the tournament, which begins in three weeks’ time in Qatar, due to a ruptured syndesmosis ligament in his left ankle. As his club announced on Thursday (November 3rd), Werner will not be able to play until the end of the year due to the injury.
Werner was at the on Wednesday 4-0 in Warsaw against Shakhtar Donetsk in the 14th minute by Taras Stepanenko and had to be replaced a few minutes later. The club initially said the injury might not be serious. Werner underwent another examination in Leipzig on Thursday, which revealed the severity of the injury.
Timo Werner sitting on the ground after his injury in the game against Donetsk.
Flick: “This news is very bitter”
For the 26-year-old, the news comes as a heavy blow. After two rather disappointing years at Chelsea, Werner returned to Leipzig in the summer. In a familiar environment, the attacker played for the Saxons from 2016 to 2020, Werner wanted to gain match practice and self-confidence for the World Cup. National coach Hansi Flick also welcomed the transfer and described Werner as an asset to the Bundesliga. “This news is very bitter. I’m very sorry for Timo personally because he’s missing out on the World Cup that he really wanted to play,” said Flick: “But Timo’s failure is a bitter loss, especially for the team. We wish him now everyone that he gets fit again quickly.”
Timo Werner (left) and national coach Hansi Flick (right)
Werner with rising form
In the past few weeks, the Swabian has actually found his form again. Three goals in the last three league games and goals in the Champions League Celtic Glasgow and against real Madrid not only pleased the player, but also Flick, who was not blessed with many strikers. With Werner’s exit, Bremen’s Niclas Füllkrug’s chances of participating in Qatar could increase. The 29-year-old is the best striker in the Bundesliga with nine goals.
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dpa/sid/red
