Leverkusen’s Wirtz sidelined for several weeks

Bayer Leverkusen on Monday confirmed midfielder Florian Wirtz will miss “several weeks” with an ankle injury, including Tuesday’s Champions League last 16 second leg match with Bayern Munich.

Wirtz, 21, was injured in Leverkusen’s 2-0 home loss to Werder Bremen on Saturday just five minutes after coming onto the bench.

The Germany midfielder was seen leaving the stadium on crutches with his foot heavily strapped.

In a statement, Leverkusen said Wirtz “suffered a medial ligament injury in his right ankle” and “will be out for several weeks”. 

It is a huge blow for Xabi Alonso’s defending Bundesliga champions, who need a remarkable turnaround on Tuesday after losing 3-0 in the first leg in Munich. 

The midfield maestro has impressed this season, scoring 15 goals and laying on 13 assists in all competitions.

Wirtz is also likely to miss Germany’s two-legged quarter final tie against Italy in late March.

Leverkusen sporting director Simon Rolfes said “we know Florian and know that he will be back as soon as possible,” saying the club “assumes he will be fit again for the final spurt of the season.”

In the league, Leverkusen sit eight points behind leaders Bayern, while the club are also through to the final four of the German Cup, where they will face third-division Arminia Bielefeld.