Germany injury woes continue

30 May 2010 23:38

Germany's preparations for the World Cup continue to be dogged by injuries with Heiko Westermann the latest man to be ruled out.

Tests on Sunday morning revealed the Schalke captain had broken his foot during the 3-0 win against Hungary in Budapest.

His withdrawal comes after captain Michael Ballack, Christian Trasch, Rene Adler and Simon Rolfes were also ruled out of participating in South Africa, and he said: "Of course I am totally disappointed because being at the World Cup was a big goal of mine."

Coach Joachim Low said: "Heiko would have played a major role for us at the World Cup.

"He was very important due to his versatility."

Germany's squad has now been reduced to 24 players, meaning Low has to cut just one by Tuesday.

Source: PA