Germany confirms Sane to miss World Cup opener with knee injury

DOHA, Nov. 22 (Xinhua) -- The German Football Association confirmed on Tuesday that Bayern Munich winger, Leroy Sane will miss their World Cup opening match against Japan on Wednesday with a knee injury.

Germany's forward Leroy Sane looks to shoot the ball during a friendly football match between Oman and Germany at the Sultan Qaboos Sports Complex stadium in Muscat on November 16, 2022. (File photo: AFP)

"Get well soon Leroy," tweeted the DBF, who failed to say whether Sane has a chance of recovering to take part in Germany's second group match against Spain on November 27 or in the rest of the tournament.

The 26-year-old has scored 11 goals in 48 appearances for "Der Mannschaft" and has been in good form for his club, with 10 goals and six assists in all competitions.

Germany goes into the 2022 World Cup looking to put memories of their first-round exit in Russia behind them and they were the first team to book a qualifying ticket for Qatar.

Wednesday's rival, Japan is competing in its seventh straight World Cup and aiming to repeat its feats from four years ago, when they reached the last 16, although it will be tough in a group that includes Germany, Spain and Costa Rica.