Nagelsmann backs injured Gnabry as World Cup doubts grow

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Sunday threw his support behind Bayern Munich forward Serge Gnabry, who could miss the World Cup with injury.

Late on Saturday, Bayern announced Gnabry would be out for an “extended period” with an adductor strain.

The Bundesliga champions in waiting did not indicate how long Gnabry could be out for.

Several German media sources reported Sunday the one-time Arsenal forward would be out for two to three months which would mean missing the World Cup which starts on June 11.

“I feel very sorry for Serge. This is particularly bitter news at the end of the season, with so many big and important matches coming up,” Nagelsmann said in a statement to AFP subsidiary SID.

The coach, who also managed Gnabry while in charge of Bayern, said he spoke with the 30-year-old on Saturday once the diagnosis was clear.

“I told him that we in the national team are all behind him. We will all support him in the best way possible so that he can get back on the pitch as soon as possible.”

Gnabry has returned to form this season in a firing Bayern front line alongside Harry Kane, Michael Olise and Luis Diaz. Bayern are through to the semi-finals of the Champions League and German Cup and can win the Bundesliga as early as Sunday.

In 21 league games this season, he has eight goals and seven assists and was considered a certainty to make Nagelsmann’s World Cup squad if fit.