Germany midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan, has been ruled out of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Gundogan had suffered a back injury in August last year and a couple of setbacks have stopped his hopes to return to competitive football this season.
Borussia Dortmund coach, Jurgen Klopp, has now announced that Gundogan’s back is better, but he won’t recover quick enough to make the tournament in Brazil.
“Ilkay will not play at the World Cup,” Klopp said.
“It is very hard for him to deal with. His back is better, it is all good, but it takes time to recover completely. We just have to wait.
“With a talented player like Ilkay, it’s not a surprise that the whole world is discussing his back and everything will end up well, but he needs time.”
The 23-year-old helped Dortmund to win the domestic double in 2012 and guided his side into last year’s Champions League final, where he scored the equalizer but couldn’t prevent them from losing to Bayern Munich.
Gundogan, who is considered as one of the best young midfielders in the world, is rumoured to be chased by Real Madrid and Manchester United after he has yet to extend his contract in Dortmund. His current deal runs out in 2015.
The holding midfielder has made eight appearances for Germany in which he scored two goals and his absence will a big blow for the country’s World Cup hopes.
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