BERLIN, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Serge Gnabry will miss the FIFA World Cup after the Bayern Munich midfielder suffered a torn thigh muscle, ruling him out of the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, the 30-year-old confirmed on Wednesday.
Gnabry had been a key part of Julian Nagelsmann's plans for the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19, but said on social media that his hopes of competing had ended.
"As far as the World Cup dream with the DFB team is concerned, it is unfortunately over for me," Gnabry wrote. "The last few days have been very hard."
Bayern Munich had already indicated the injury would sideline him for an extended period after the problem emerged during the club's final training session before its 4-2 win over Stuttgart, with Gnabry sustaining the injury while practicing penalties.
The loss is a major blow for both Bayern and Germany, with Gnabry a regular starter under Vincent Kompany and an important attacking option for Nagelsmann alongside Florian Wirtz, Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz.
"It hurts me very much for Serge. This is very bitter news, especially at the end of the season when such big and important matches are coming up," Nagelsmann said, adding that the national team would support him in his recovery.
Gnabry said he would now focus on rehabilitation and target a return for pre-season, while backing Germany from afar.
"Like the rest of the country, I will be cheering the boys on from home," he wrote.
His absence could increase the burden on Musiala, while Leroy Sane and teenager Lennart Karl may be handed greater roles.
Bayern sporting director Max Eberl had earlier feared the worst, saying Gnabry was disappointed but composed and that the World Cup might have been his last opportunity to make a major impact for Germany. ■
