Young Socceroos star Robbie Kruse will miss the 2014 World Cup after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear in his left knee.
The 25-year-old Bayer Leverkusen gun and key component of the Australian attack requires immediate surgery and will not recover in time to play with the Socceroos in Brazil.
The Australian Footballer of the Year has made 27 appearances for the Green and Gold and has kicked two goals for Leverkusen this season and dished out two assists in 15 appearances.
Australian coach Ange Postecoglou said Kruse was extremely upset about the injury, but expects him to still play a pivotal role for the Socceroos down the road.
“I tried to contact him but I’ve been told he’s pretty upset at the moment. I’ll be in Germany in a couple of weeks’ time and I’ll try to catch up with him while I’m there,” Postecoglou said.
“One positive is the fact he is young and I know he’ll work hard on his recovery and come back a better player.
“There is a carrot of an Asian Cup on home soil in 12 months and he will play a big part in what we are trying to achieve with the national team.”
Kruse is expected to turn down the quick-healing, but risky LARS procedure, opting against a possible comeback within three months for the more traditional surgery.
“It is a tough break for Robbie, who was playing some great football and was certainly a massive part of our plans for the World Cup.
“It’s fine to say he’ll get another chance but you just never know and I feel for him as the 2014 World Cup was looming as a great opportunity for Robbie to show the world what he is capable of.
Australia faces an extremely tough ask in the opening round in Brazil in a group featuring top FIFA ranked nations Chile, Spain and Netherlands.
Australia kicks off their campaign against Chile on June 13.
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