Leverkusen suffer Wirtz blow ahead of crucial Bayern clash

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz has been ruled out for “several weeks” with an ankle injury, the club confirmed on Monday, dealing a major blow to their Champions League hopes.

The 21-year-old Germany international sustained a medial ligament injury in his right ankle during Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Werder Bremen, just five minutes after coming off the bench. He was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches with his foot heavily strapped.

Wirtz will miss Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Bayern Munich, where Leverkusen face an uphill battle after a 3-0 first-leg defeat.

“We know Florian and know that he will be back as soon as possible,” said Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes. “We assume he will be fit again for the final stretch of the season.”

The playmaker has been in outstanding form, registering 15 goals and 13 assists across all competitions. His absence will also impact Germany, as he is set to miss their two-legged quarter-final tie against Italy in late March.

Leverkusen, the defending Bundesliga champions, currently trail Bayern by eight points and are also in the German Cup semi-finals, where they will face third-division Arminia Bielefeld.

(Source: AFP)