Nadine Keßler needs knee surgery and is in doubt for the World Cup. (Getty Images)
Reigning FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year Nadine Keßler needs knee surgery, putting her in doubt for the World Cup.
The German midfielder will undergo the operation on March 12. She has been ruled out for the rest of the season for VfL Wolfsburg — which is seeking a three-peat in the UEFA Champions League — and it appears doubtful she will be ready for the World Cup.
[MORE: Keßler wins FIFA World Player of Year | Kassouf’s vote]
“A comeback in the season 2014/2015 is ruled out,” the VfL Wolfsburg wrote in a press release.
“My greatest wish is to be permanently free of pain,” Keßler said. She has already had eight knee operations.
Keßler is considered the best all-around midfielder in the world and a linchpin for world No. 1 Germany in the midfield.
Germany received further bad news later in the day. Defender Luisa Wensing will miss the World Cup after breaking her fibula.
