Arsenal’s Lukas Podolski offers message of support for injured German team-mate Marco Reus

Arsenal and Germany forward Lukas Podolski has offered his international teammate Marco Reus a message of support after the Borussia Dortmund star Reus was ruled out of the World Cup with injury.

Reus, 25, was carried off in Germany’s thumping 6-1 win over Armenia last night with an ankle injury and it was confirmed this morning that he would not take part in the tournament that starts next week.

The German was set to star in this summer’s tournament in Brazil after scoring 16 goals and assisting another 13 in the Bundesliga last season as Dortmund finished second to Bayern Munich again.

Reus suffered a partial tear of his ankle ligament and will be out of action for at least six or seven weeks, meaning it will stretch into his pre-season training with Borussia Dortmund, too.

Sampdoria’s former Everton defender Shkodran Mustafi has replaced Reus, despite Max Kruse playing in the same position and creating the most chances in Europe last season (97).

Podolski wrote on his Facebook page: “What a [sic] bad luck.. Marco I wish you to come back soon. My son is sad now, too, he is your biggest Fan. We will play and give our best for you in Brazil!!”

Only Kruse (97) created more chances than Reus (90) in the Bundesliga last season.