It has been confirmed. The much-loved 25-year-old midfielder will not participate in this summer's fiesta. The curse of pre-World Cup friendlies hit Reus hard on the eve of the Germans' departure to Brazil. He was rushed to hospital after picking up a terrible ankle injury during Germany's 6-1 win over Armenia on Friday.
DFB Eleven coach Joachim Loew has replaced the rapid Borussia Dortmund winger with a defender, Sampdoria's Shkodran Mustafi. Jurgen Klinsmann's former assistant coach explained his decision, stating:
“It was not about replacing Marco Reus in the same position. We have a lot of quality in that position and a lot of options with Lukas Podolski, Andre Schurrle, Mario Goetze, Thomas Mueller, Mesut Ozil, Julian Draxler and Toni Kroos.
“That is why we decided for an option in defence and Shkodran had been convincing in our training camp, he is fit and we have full confidence in him.”
Marco Reus' sudden inability to play at the 2014 FIFA World Cup has been greeted with sadness among football fans worldwide. Coach Joachim Loew affirmed:
“Both for him and for us it is extremely bitter. Marco was in top form and both in the training camp and in the friendlies against Cameroon and Armenia left an outstanding impression. He had played a central role in our planning for Brazil.”
Germany's 2014 World Cup campaign begins as their Euro 2012 campaign where they reached the semis; with a clash against Iberian nation Portugal. The DFB Eleven will face Ghana on Matchday 2 and conclude their group stage adventure against Klinsmann's United States.
Rio Ferdinand showing sympathy for Reus on Twitter
Sorry for Marco Reus. i know the feeling bro. Use this setback as fuel nxt season. Be strong. http://t.co/CsHo8Ttxkq
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) June 7, 2014
Paddy Power couldn't help it
Sad news that Marco Reus is out of the World Cup...puts an end to all my Muller Reus jokes :(
— Paddy Power (@paddypower) June 7, 2014
What Germany's national team will miss in the form of Reus' absence
Marco Reus: Has created at least 48 more chances (342) than any other player in the Bundesliga in the last 5 seasons #bvb
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 7, 2014
Shkodran Mustafi (left) replaces Reus in Germany's 23-man World Cup squad
