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.
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