Germany and Leipzig Striker Timo Werner Ruled Out of World Cup With Ankle Injury

• Lepzig striker Timo Werner is out of the World Cup in Qatar after suffering an ankle injury
• The 26-year-old sustained the injury during his side's 4-0 Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk
• Timo Werner, who has returned to form this term, has scored 24 goals in 55 appearances for Germany

Germany striker Timo Werner has been ruled out of the upcoming World Cup in Qatar with an ankle injury, his club RB Leipzig announced on Thursday.

Werner hobbled off early in Leipzig's 4-0 Champions League 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 via their official Twitter handle.

The 26-year-old has scored 24 goals in 55 international appearances for Germany and netted five times during qualifying.

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Werner rejoined Leipzig from Premier League giants Chelsea in August and has contributed nine goals already across all competitions this campaign.

Germany kick off their bid for a record-equalling fifth World Cup against Japan on November 23 in Al Rayyan, before further Group E matches against Spain and Costa Rica.

Coach on Werner missing out

Germany coach Hansi Flick was disappointed to hear the news of Werner's injury.

"This news is very sad. I feel very sorry for Timo personally because he really wanted to play the World Cup," he said via Bayern & Germany.

He said Werner's absence was a huge loss, especially to the team, and he wished the player a quick recovery.

Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sane is also currently sidelined with a knee injury, with Werner's absence adding to coach Flick's problems up front.

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Borussia Dortmund youngster Karim Adeyemi and in-form Werder Bremen striker Niclas Fullkrug could be possible replacements for Werner in the squad.

Germany captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has not played since October 8 due to a shoulder injury, and is also a doubt for the global showpiece.

Chelsea star told 'follow Werner'

Sports Brief earlier reported that Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has urged Chelsea star Christian Pulisic to follow Timo Werner's example and dump the Blues.

Werner quit Stamford Bridge in the summer, barely two years after he joined the Premier League giants from RB Leipzig.

The German forward decided to depart Chelsea after enduring a disastrous run of form, sealing a stunning return to his former club.