Injuries end Adler, Rolfes World Cup dreams

Germany coach Joachim Loew’s hopes of winning next month’s World Cup suffered a double blow on Tuesday after both goalkeeper Rene Adler and midfielder Simon Rolfes were ruled out with injury.

Bayer Leverkusen’s Adler, Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper, will miss the month-long tournament in South Africa as he needs an operation to repair damaged ribs.

And Rolfes, Leverkusen’s captain, says he does not have enough time to recover from the knee operation he underwent in January to be 100 percent fit when the World Cup begins on June 11.

“I am very satisfied with the healing process but it is clear from the schedule that it would make no sense to take part in the World Cup,” said the 28-year-old Rolfes.

“My plan is now to be fully fit for the start of the new Bundesliga season.”

While Germany has plenty of midfield cover for Rolfes, Loew has been forced into a re-think after losing Adler.

“This was the toughest decision of my life,” said the 25-year-old Adler in a statement.

“But it would have been simply irresponsible of me, my club and the national team to have participated in the World Cup.

“Medically speaking, it would have been possible. But the pain is so great that I would not have been able to perform at my best over the longer term both in training and during matches.

“In such a long and intensive tournament, that is unacceptable. You need players who are totally fit.”

Having missed the last few weeks with the rib injury, Adler returned on Saturday for Leverkusen in their 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin in the Bundesliga wearing a special rib protector.

But an examination by Germany team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Muller-Wohlfahrt has revealed the injury is worse than first thought.

Adler has already suffered a complicated rib injury which needed a titanium plate and four screws to repair in 2006 and nearly ended his career.

Loew is set to name his World Cup squad on Thursday in Stuttgart and was informed of the injury situation on Tuesday morning.

“We are sad that Simon had to pull out, but wish him a speedy recovery,” Loew said.

“Of course, we are very sorry that Rene will now be operated on, but he has to have the procedure.

“The coaching team will now meet to discuss who will replace Rene in travelling to South Africa and we will announce our nomination in Stuttgart on Thursday.”

Former Germany striker Rudi Voeller said Adler’s injury is a bitter blow for the national team.

“I feel incredibly sorry for Rene,” said Leverkusen’s director of sport Voeller. “His great World Cup dream has burst, but now we must accept the doctor’s decision.

“I hope and firmly believe that Rene will be between the posts for Germany’s next major tournament.”

With Adler ruled out, Schalke 04’s Manuel Neuer is set to take his place in goal for Germany’s opening World Cup match in Group D against Australia on June 13 with Werder Bremen’s Tim Wiese also travelling.

With Loew set to take three goalkeepers to South Africa, Bayern Munich veteran Hans-Joerg Butt could be set for a surprise recall nearly seven years after winning the last of his three caps for Germany.

Dortmund’s Roman Weidenfeller could also be an option.

Germany face warm-up matches against Malta on May 13 in Aachen, Hungary in Budapest on May 29 and Bosnia-Herzegovina in Frankfurt on June 3.

They have drawn Australia, Ghana and Serbia in Group 4 of the World Cup as they bid to win the title for the fourth time.