B Leverkusen FC

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Rolfes rules out World Cup role

04 May 2010 - 14:21:59

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Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Simon Rolfes will definitely miss this summer's World Cup finals in South Africa due to a long-standing knee injury.

The 28-year-old has not featured for his club since January and will not be able to add to his 21 caps for Germany this summer after a slower-than-expected recovery from surgery.

Rolfes told the German Football Federation's official website: "I am very pleased with the healing process, but it is now definitively clear that the World Cup finals for me make no sense.

"My plan is now to look to start the new Bundesliga season fully fit.

"Missing out on the World Cup is not easy. It only remains for me now to wish the team every success in South Africa."

Head coach Joachim Low added: "The decision by Simon is correct for the best possible recovery after surgery. We regret his absence and hope he gets fit quickly."