World Cup 2014: Thiago Alcantara ruled out of Brazil 2014 after Spain midfielder suffers setback in recovery from knee injury
Spain international has not played since March and suffered a recurrence of the ligament tear in his right knee last Monday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Spain and Bayern Munich midfielder Thiago Alcantara has been ruled out of the World Cup on Thursday after suffering a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.
Thiago suffered a recurrence of the ligament tear in his right knee last Monday and will undergo an operation soon, Bayern said on its website.
The club said it's "not possible" for the 23-year-old to play in Saturday's German Cup final against Borussia Dortmund or at the World Cup.
"It's bitter for Thiago. We're sorry for the guy," Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said. "A young lad who's been working on his comeback and on the World Cup in the land of his father, and suddenly both dreams are shot."
Thiago originally suffered the injury in Bayern's 3-3 draw with Hoffenheim on March 29.
The former Barcelona player, who has impressed with his intelligence and technical ability in his first season at Bayern, had been called up to Spain's preliminary 30-player squad for the World Cup by coach Vicente del Bosque despite his initial injury.
Alcantara, the son of former Brazilian international Mazinho, has made five appearances for Spain.
AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments