Germany are now at risk of being without Leroy Sane at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar through injury. The Bayern Munich forward is in a race against time to be fit for Hansi Flick.
Der FCB have announced that Sane faces an indefinite spell on the sidelines after suffering a torn muscle fibre in the back of his left thigh. The 26-year-old sustained the issue against SC Freiburg on Sunday as the record Bundesliga champions stormed to a 5-0 win at home.
- WORLD CUP: WHEN IS THE OPENING GAME? ALL OF THE KEY DATES FOR QATAR 2022
- WORLD CUP: QATAR 2022 SQUAD RULES AS THE LIMIT ON SUBSTITUTIONS IS CHANGED
Sane was one of Bayern Munich’s standout performers during the Allianz Arena affair. The 47-cap international found Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to double the Bavarian giants’ lead. They then reversed roles early in the second half as Sane struck his fifth goal of the season.
Sane has now scored 10 goals and registered four assists over his 16 appearances across all competitions. Four of his strikes and two assists have been in four Champions League ties. His UEFA haul also includes finding the net away to Inter Milan and against Barcelona.
Bayer Munich’s medical department has examined Sane’s injury and determined he tore a muscle in his left thigh against Freiburg. Der FCB have not announced how long the club expects the forward to miss. But his blow will come as a concern for Germany boss Flick.
Bayern and Germany star Leroy Sane on the bubble of missing the World Cup
Sane is potentially on the bubble of missing the Qatar World Cup with Germany following Bayern Munich confirming his injury. Bild reports MRI scans suggest that the Essen native will miss around three weeks after undergoing tests during and after the Freiburg fixture.
A full muscle tear would have ruled Sane out of the World Cup in a huge blow for Flick. He is a key part of Die Mannschaft’s plans and is playing at an indispensable level for Der FCB. Julian Nagelsmann has Sane offering the complete package in Bavaria across the left flank.
But as Sane only tore a muscle fibre, Bayern Munich’s team doctor, Dr Jochen Hahne, and physiotherapist, Gianni Bianchi, expect him to return to training in early November. Bayern Munich’s trip to Hertha Berlin on November 5 could come too soon for the £55m dynamo.
Instead, Dr Hahne and Bianchi aim to get Sane back for November 8 when Werder Bremen visit the Allianz. The former Manchester City man featuring against Die Werderaner would allow Sane a chance to get some minutes under his belt before Germany head off to Qatar.
Germany begin their 2022 World Cup campaign in Group E against Japan on November 23. Flick’s squad then meet Spain in the headline fixture for the opening round in Qatar on the 27th. Costa Rica await Die Mannschaft on December 1 to round out their first stage games.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
