In this picture taken Friday June 6, 2014 German national soccer player Marco Reus lies on the pitch during the friendly soccer match between Germany and Armenia in Mainz Germany. Reus was helped off the pitch after twisting his left ankle while challenging Artur Yedigaryan for the ball. Reus immediately dropped to the grass and appeared in considerable pain. Team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt shook his head as he assisted the Borussia Dortmund player off the pitch. Reus was taken to the hospital to determine the full extent of the injury. AP Photo/dpa,Thomas Eisenhuth) (The Associated Press)
BERLIN – Germany attacking midfielder Marco Reus has been ruled out of the World Cup with an ankle injury sustained in Friday's 6-1 friendly win over Armenia.
The German Football Federation said Saturday that Reus suffered a partial ligament tear in his left ankle and will miss six to seven weeks before he can resume training again.
Sampdoria defender Shkodran Mustafi has been called up as a late replacement for the Borussia Dortmund player.
Germany coach Joachim Loew says, "It's not about replacing Marco Reus directly. We have a lot of quality for the position behind the forward . so we decided for another option in defense."
Reus had been in excellent form coming into the World Cup.
Loew says, "For him and for us this is extremely regrettable."
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