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Germany's preparations for this month's World Cup have been rocked with the damaging news that striker Timo Werner has been ruled out of the Qatar showpiece due to an ankle injury.

The 26-year-old's worst fears have been realised after he was forced off during the first half of RB Leipzig's 4-0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

With less than 20 minutes on the clock, the striker was left stricken on the floor and clutching his left ankle after playing a routine pass.

And following scans on Thursday, RB Leipzig have revealed the crushing news that he will be ruled out for the rest of the calendar year.

'Timo Werner suffered an ankle injury last night in the win over Shakhtar Donetsk,' their short statement read.