LEROY SANE has been ruled out of Germany’s 2022 World Cup opener against Japan after suffering a knee injury in training.
The Bayern Munich winger was ruled out of his side’s final training session before their match tomorrow.
A statement read: “The German National team must be without Leroy Sane in her World Cup opening game against Japan on Wednesday.
“The 26-year-old offensive player from champions FC Bayern Munich is unavailable against the four-time Asian champions due to knee problems.
“The remaining 25 players of the German World Cup squad took part in the final training session in Al-Shamal.
“After lunch, the four-time world champions’ squad head to Qatar’s capital, Doha, where captain Manuel Neuer and company will spend the night before the opening game.”
Sane’s club team-mate Joshua Kimmich is set to address the press later today alongside manager Hansi Flick.
The sidelined forward was expected to start against Japan but now Flick will look to his alternate options.
His front line includes Serge Gnabry, Julian Brandt, Mario Gotze, and Kai Havertz as wide options.
But Flick travelled to Qatar without ex-Chelsea striker Timo Werner, who was left out due to an ankle injury.
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Another player in contention to start is German-born but England-raised winger Jamal Musiala.
The blossoming teenage star played at youth level and England Under-21s before switching to play for the country of his birth.
The former Southampton and Chelsea trainee is regarded as a surprise weapon for our great rivals at this World Cup as Germany usher in a raft of talented youngsters.
Musiala said: “England have enormous qualities as far as individual players are concerned. All the England players go for one-on-one duels so that is something we can learn about the courage not to avoid any dribbles.
“I hope they do well of course because for a while it was part of my life. I always wanted to play for England when I was younger. When I played in England I supported them with all my heart.
“In the England youth teams you learn different things than you do playing in Germany. I took home many messages. It was a different environment in the England youth set up.
“They set great store by individual technique and one on one play. To play with freedom was the motto at the time. That is what inspired me and will stay with me for all of my footballing life.”
