Adler out
May 4, 2010
Rene Adler, Germany's likely choice for starting goalkeeper at the FIFA World Cup, has been ruled out of the tournament with an injury.
The Bayer Leverkusen shot stopper requires surgery after fracturing a rib during a Bundesliga clash with Hanover last month. He suffered a reoccurrence of the injury on Saturday during the team's 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin.
The 25-year-old Adler had been favored by national team coach Joachim Loew ahead of Schalke keeper Manuel Neuer and Werder Bremen's Tim Wiese.
Adler emerged as the main contender for the national No. 1 jersey following the suicide death of Hanover goalie Robert Enke in November last year. At the time of his death, Enke had been the leading candidate for the position.
Loew is to name his provisional World Cup squad on Thursday.
Earlier on Tuesday, Leverkusen midfielder Simon Rolfes told Loew that he is also out of World Cup contention due to a knee injury.
dfm/dpa/AP
Editor: Chuck Penfold