Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder Mario Gotze has been ruled out for up to 12 weeks by the groin injury he sustained in his country's 1-0 loss to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday.
Gotze had to come off during the first half of the Euro 2016 qualifier in Dublin, and statements on the German team and Bayern's websites on Friday said he would be sidelined for 10 to 12 weeks as a result.
Bayern said: "The 23-year-old was diagnosed on Friday with a ruptured muscle tendon in the groin."
Gotze is now being treated by the national side's medical team in Leipzig, where pool leaders Germany play Georgia in their final Group D game on Sunday.
"It's annoying for us and a real shame for him," said Germany boss Joachim Low.
"We wish him a good and speedy recovery. I am sure that he will be able to pick up his form again once he returns."
The setback means Gotze will miss both of his club's Champions League matches against Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger looks likely to be unavailable for the Georgia game as well due to what is reported to be a thigh injury.
The 31-year-old sat out the Ireland match, with a message on the German team's official Twitter account saying: "@BSchweinsteiger picked up an injury during the pre-match warm-up and will miss the game."
And Low said afterwards with a view to the Georgia clash: ''For Bastian Schweinsteiger we'll have to wait and see. The chances are slim though.
"The medical staff said two or three days' rest."
Source: PA
