Bayer Leverkusen Confirms Florian Wirtz to Miss Several Weeks Due to Ligament Injury

Bayer Leverkusen’s attacking midfielder, Florian Wirtz, will be sidelined for weeks and will miss the Champions League Round of 16 return leg against Bayern Munich on Tuesday after suffering a ligament injury during Saturday’s Bundesliga match.

This setback is a significant blow for the reigning Bundesliga champions, who currently trail Bayern by eight points in the league standings.

Leverkusen now faces the challenge of overcoming a 3-0 deficit from the first leg against their all-German rivals.

“Bayer 04 will have to proceed without Florian Wirtz,” the club confirmed in an official statement.

“The Germany international sustained a ligament injury to his right ankle during the home fixture against Werder Bremen on Saturday. The 21-year-old midfielder will be out of action for several weeks.”

Wirtz has made a significant impact this season, scoring nine league goals and providing ten assists, in addition to netting six times in the Champions League.

He will also miss Germany’s Nations League quarter-finals against Italy on March 20 and March 23.

As holders, Leverkusen have advanced to the semi-finals of the German Cup as well.

“The absence of Florian is obviously a tough blow at this stage of the season, but we will rely on our strong squad to cover for him,” said Simon Rolfes, Bayer 04’s sporting managing director.

“We are aware of Florian’s determination and are confident he will return as soon as possible. We hope to have him back to full fitness for the crucial run towards the end of the season.”