Florian Wirtz: Verdict expected in 24 hours

Bayer Leverkusen playmaker Florian Wirtz is set to receive the verdict on the injury he sustained during Saturday’s defeat against Werder Bremen.

Xabi Alonso’s side suffered a nightmare on Saturday as they slipped to a shock 2-0 home loss, failing to take advantage of Bayern Munich’s surprise defeat at the hands of Hertha Berlin.

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But the biggest blow for B04 was seeing Wirtz going off with an ankle injury just days before they meet Bayern in the second leg of a Champions League last-16 tie they already trail 3-0 in.

“We’re expecting the worst but hoping for the best,” general director Fernandeo Carro told Kicker on Saturday.

Wirtz has already suffered a serious knee injury previously in his career, and there are fears that this blow could see his season ended after he left the stadium on crutches on Saturday. A two-month layoff is currently being cast as the likeliest scenario by Bild.

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Wirtz a major player in the transfer market

This could have implications on the summer transfer market as Wirtz was expected to be one of the major protagonists.

Manchester City are notably tracking the Germany international star as a long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne. Across all competitions this season, Wirtz has 15 goals and 13 assists, highlighting the offensive impact that he has brought to Alonso’s team.

With Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich also thought to be leading candidates to sign him, there is an expectation that he would move for a figure well above the €100 million mark. Indeed, he has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €130m, making him the sixth most valuable player in the world.

All these clubs will be waiting anxiously for Leverkusen’s injury update on Wirtz, which could have a dramatic impact on their summer transfer plans.