Germany midfielder Lira Alushi is pregnant and will miss the upcoming World Cup, the federation announced on Friday. The 27-year-old has been capped 79 times by Germany.
“Obviously I would have liked to be playing in the World Cup but some things are more important than football,” she said.. “I’m proud of what I’ve achieved in the game so far and would like to thank those who have supported me. Family life has always been important to me and I’m about to embark on a new chapter, motherhood. I’m looking forward to it. If everything goes the way I hope, I’ll return to the game.”
The loss is yet another for world No. 1 Germany heading into the tournament. Midfielder Nadine Kessler — the reigning FIFA Women’s World Player of the Year — will miss the tournament due to a knee injury. Defender Lena Wensing will miss the World Cup with a fractured fibula.
Alushi played for PSG in Thursday’s UEFA Champions League final loss to Frankfurt, but will now shift her focus away from the field.
“Obviously in regards to the team it’s a big loss because she’s an excellent player,” Germany coach Silvia Neid said of Alushi. “However, I am delighted for her and wish her well for the future.”
Germany will play Ivory Coast, Norway and Thaliand in Group B at the World Cup.
