Germany's preparations for this month's World Cup have been rocked with the damaging news that striker Timo Werner has been ruled out of the Qatar showpiece due to an ankle injury.
The 26-year-old's worst fears have been realised after he was forced off during the first half of RB Leipzig's 4-0 win against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
With less than 20 minutes on the clock, the striker was left stricken on the floor and clutching his left ankle after playing a routine pass.
And following scans on Thursday, RB Leipzig have revealed the crushing news that he will be ruled out for the rest of the calendar year.
'Timo Werner suffered an ankle injury last night in the win over Shakhtar Donetsk,' their short statement read.
'Scans today in Leipzig showed that he has unfortunately torn the syndesmosis ligament in his left ankle and will therefore be out for the rest of 2022.'
Since Hansi Flick took charge of the German national team after last year's Euros, Werner has been a key part of his plans, netting eight goals in 13 appearances.
The 55-cap international has also been in good form at club level since leaving Chelsea to return to RB Leipzig in the summer.
In 16 matches across all competitions, Werner has found the net nine times, and he played his part in the team easing through the group stages of the Champions League.
Losing Werner is a major setback for Flick, who is already sweating on the fitness of a couple of important players ahead of Qatar.
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is battling back from a shoulder problem that he suffered last month, while he has also revealed that he's had surgery three times after being diagnosed with skin cancer.
Meanwhile, teenage prospect Florian Wirtz is back in training after tearing ab=n anterior cruciate ligament last season, and he has reportedly made Flick's provisional squad for the tournament.
However, he is yet to feature this season for Bayer Leverkusen, and is running out of time to prove his fitness before Flick names the 26 players that he will take to Qatar.
Germany begin their World Cup campaign against Japan on November 23.