Madrid's Khedira suffers torn cruciate

Real Madrid CF midfielder Sami Khedira faces a long spell on the sidelines after tearing cruciate ligaments in Germany's 1-1 friendly draw against Italy on Friday night.

The 26-year-old collided with Italy's Andrea Pirlo midway through the second half, and was immediately taken off to hospital. This morning, the German Football Association (DFB) released a statement from team doctor Hans-Willhelm Müller-Wohlfahrt, who said: "Sami needs surgical treatment. We are hopeful that we will have him back healthy once the World Cup starts."

"That's a bitter setback for Sami and for all of us," added coach Joachim Löw. "Sami is a fighter, on and off the pitch. He's always positive, which will help him in his recovery. I believe that he will be ready for the opening game in Brazil. We wish him all the best and we keep our fingers crossed for a successful surgery, so that he can start rehab right away."

"The mood in the dressing room was low," said Khedira's Germany team-mate Jérôme Boateng after the match. "Not because of the draw, but because it seems that Sami has been injured severely." Khedira has started all four of Madrid's UEFA Champions League Group B games this season, with the 2010 signing from VfB Stuttgart having won a league title and a Copa del Rey since moving to Spain.