Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz Sidelined for Several Weeks Due to Ankle Ligament Injury

Bayer Leverkusen’s star man Florian Wirtz is expected to be sidelined for several weeks due to an ankle ligament injury he suffered during Leverkusen’s recent 0-2 defeat at the hands of Werder Bremen in Bundesliga. The 21-year-old will surely miss Die Werkself’s crucial UCL second leg tie against Bayern Munich.

Following that loss to Werder Brem, Leverkusen’s coach Xabi Alonso reflected on Wirtz’s injury and the potential impact of his absence. “I’m obviously very sorry for Flo,” coach Xabi Alonso said. “Now is a good moment to show that we are a complete team and that we can win without Flo, too. And for him, as well, so that we keep going in the Champions League and that he can play Champions League again this season (after recovering). There is no greater test than tomorrow (against Bayern) without Flo.”  

Sporting director Simon Rolfes acknowledged that Florian Wirtz’s ankle injury is a significant setback for Bayer Leverkusen, but he remains optimistic about the midfielder’s return before the season ends. "We know Florian, and we know that he will return as soon as possible," Rolfes stated. "We’re operating on the assumption that he will be back at full fitness for the last stretch of the season." 

However, reports from Kicker suggest the situation might be far more concerning. According to their Leverkusen correspondent, Stephan van Nocks – one of the most trusted voices in German football – there’s a real fear that Wirtz could be sidelined for the remainder of the Bundesliga campaign. 

An MRI conducted on Saturday reportedly detected a possible syndesmosis tear, a serious injury that could require an extended recovery period. With the club seeking a second opinion, Leverkusen have remained tight-lipped on the matter, asking for patience as they await a definitive diagnosis. Wirtz is set to consult a specialist on Sunday, and the club is expected to confirm the extent of the damage on Monday. 

With Leverkusen already staring at a daunting three-goal deficit in their Champions League Last 16 tie and trailing Bayern Munich by eight points in the Bundesliga title race, Florian Wirtz’s injury feels like the ultimate gut punch. For the more pessimistic fans, this could be the moment their season unravels. However, all hope is not lost. Xabi Alonso’s side is still in contention for silverware, with their DFB Pokal defense very much alive. Leverkusen have made it to the semifinals, where they will take on Arminia Bielefeld on 1st April.