Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira's World Cup hopes hang in the balance after he was ruled out for around six months with a torn cruciate ligament.
Khedira suffered the injury in Friday's 1-1 draw against Italy and also tore another ligament in his right knee during the incident, which will now require surgery.
"He will need to be operated on but we are hopeful he could be fit in time for the World Cup," Germany’s team doctor Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfahrt said.
"This is a bitter setback for Sami. But he always thinks positively and that is why I am optimistic he will be ready and fit when the World Cup starts," coach Joachim Loew said.
Khedira’s injury is also a big blow to Spanish giants Madrid who trail champions Barcelona by six points after 13 games.
The dynamic midfielder had recently been reported as being a January transfer target for Premier League champions Manchester United.
Germany take on England at Wembley in another friendly international on Tuesday.
