Florian Wirtz sidelined for weeks with ligament injury, confirms Bayer Leverkusen

Bayer Leverkusen's attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz will be unavailable for the Champions League Round of 16 return leg against Bayern Munich on Tuesday, as he is expected to be sidelined for several weeks due to a ligament injury sustained during the Bundesliga match on Saturday.

This development poses a significant challenge for the reigning Bundesliga champions, who currently trail Bayern by eight points in the league standings.

Leverkusen must also attempt to overcome a 3-0 deficit from the first leg in their all-German Champions League encounter.

"The club will have to proceed without Florian Wirtz," stated Bayer 04 in an official announcement.

"The Germany international suffered a ligament injury in his right ankle in the home game against Werder Bremen on Saturday. The 21-year-old midfielder will be out of action for several weeks."

Wirtz has recorded nine goals in the league and provided ten assists, in addition to scoring six times in the Champions League.

He will be unavailable for Germany's Nations League quarter-final matches against Italy on March 20th and March 23rd.

Defending champions Leverkusen have also advanced to the semi-finals of the German Cup.

"The loss of Florian obviously hits us hard in this phase of the season but we will compensate for him with a strong squad," said Simon Rolfes, Bayer 04 sporting managing director.

"We know Florian and also know he will come back as soon as possible. We are assuming he will be fully fit again for the end of the season run-in."