MADRID/FRANKFURT: Sami Khedira’s season is all but over after the Real Madrid midfielder suffered torn cruciate ligaments in his right knee in Germany’s 1-1 draw with Italy on Friday.

The injury is a major blow not only for the player but for his country’s World Cup bid and his club’s Champions League prospects.

Germany team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt has said it is possible he may be back in time for next summer’s World Cup finals but this remains an outside prospect since it is unlikely he will be fully matchfit.

Muller-Wohlfahrt said: “Sami has to be treated surgically, we hope that he will be healthy again for the start of World Cup.”

German coach Joachim Low said: “This is a bitter blow for Sami and all of us. He is a great player on and off the pitch, he is always thinking positively and this will help and I am optimistic that he will be back in time for the kick-off of the World Cup.

“We wish him all the best and keep our fingers crossed that the surgery goes well and he can quickly get into rehab.”

Low also said that star trio Philipp Lahm, Manuel Neuer and Mesut Ozil would be rested for the England game on Tuesday.

He added: “The game against England is for us the last chance before the World Cup to test different tactics and players.

“Philipp Lahm, Manuel Neuer and Mesut Ozil are key and for me it’s more important now to see other players in those key positions just to give a chance to prove themselves against a great team like England.”

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