Major blow for Germany ahead of World Cup 2018

With just five weeks remaining in the FIFA World Cup 2018 to kick-off, Midfielder Mesut Ozil has joined the list of Germany stars who are currently injured.

Giving his injury update on Instagram, Arsenal star wrote, “It is a pity I missed yesterday’s match with my back injury. It’ll need some time, but I’m sure I’ll fully recover in time for the World Cup.”

The World Cup is scheduled to start from June 14, the Arsenal playmaker joins Manuel Neuer and Jerome Boateng, who also face a race against time, on the casualty list.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger had revealed before kick-off that Ozil was expected to miss the rest of the season with a back ailment.

It is a pity I missed yesterday's match with my back injury. It'll need some time but I'm sure I'll fully recover in time for the World Cup. Once again I'd like to thank our boss for everything. It was an honour playing for you, Monsieur Wenger! Thanks for all your advice and memories we shared together. 🙏🏼 @Arsenal #merciarsène

A post shared by Mesut Özil (@m10_official) on May 7, 2018 at 6:23am PDT

Germany’s first World Cup group match is against Mexico in Moscow on June 17. They also face Sweden and South Korea in Group ‘F’. Neuer, Germany’s captain and goalkeeper, has not played since fracturing his foot last September.

Burly centre-back Boateng injured his groin in Bayern Munich’s Champions League semi-final defeat at home to Real Madrid a fortnight ago.

Germany coach Joachim Loew will announce his World Cup squad on May 15.