The Bayer Leverkusen star Lars Bender has been ruled out of Germany‘s World Cup squad because of a thigh injury in training session on Thursday, the club announced on their official website.
The 25-year-old, who made his Germany debut in September 2011 has scored four goals in 17 appearances for his country and unfortunately he will now miss the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Germany coach Joachim Low said, “I feel really sorry for Lars – I know he definitely wanted to be with us in Brazil. He’s a role model both on and off the pitch.”
The defensive midfielder Bender was regular at Bayer Leverkusen this season, helping the Bundesliga club to a fourth-placed finish with his outstanding performances have alerted interest from Arsenal.
The three-time World Cup winners will play their opening group match against Portugal in Salvador on 16 June followed by United States and Ghana.
Low has decided not to replace Bender in his 26-man squad and the final 23-man squad will be announced on June 2.
