Germany international defender Heiko Westermann has been ruled out of the World Cup because of a broken foot, the German football federation announced on Sunday.
The 27-year-old Schalke 04 player injured himself during Germany’s 3-0 friendly win over Hungary in Budapest on Saturday.
His injury is the latest blow for Germany who are already without captain and Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack and midfielder Christian Traesch, both out with ankle injuries.
“Heiko would have played a key role in our team. He would have been important for us because of his polyvalence,” said Germany coach Joachim Loew.
“He showed remarkable form in training.”
Germany face Australia, Serbia and Africa Cup of Nations finalists Ghana in Group D at the World Cup, which runs from June 11-July 11 in South Africa.
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