Florian Wirtz's season over after Bayer Leverkusen and Germany midfielder tears knee ligaments
Florian Wirtz faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in Bayer Leverkusen's 1-0 loss to Cologne on Sunday.
The Germany international was stretchered off 28 minutes into the Rhine Derby and was taken to hospital immediately.
An MRI scan confirmed the worst fears with an ACL tear in his left knee meaning the 18-year-old's season is over.
In December Wirtz became the youngest player to make 50 Bundesliga appearances, with Sunday's being his 60th in Germany's top flight. He has scored 13 goals and also holds the record for being the youngest player to go into double figures for Bundesliga goals.
His absence will be a major blow for Die Werkself, who will be aiming to overturn a 3-2 deficit against Atalanta in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, and defend their place inside the top four of the Bundesliga in order to qualify for the Champions League next term.
Want more Bundesliga Action?
Related news
How do Wirtz and Musiala compare?
In Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala, Germany have two of the brightest young players in world football to call upon...
Florian Wirtz vs. Jude Bellingham: Battle of the teens
Teenaged royalty comes to the fore as Leverkusen prince Florian Wirtz faces off against the imperial Jude Bellingham of BVB.
Florian Wirtz raring to go again
Out since March, the 19-year-old is back in action for a Leverkusen team who have sorely missed him this season.