Wirtz suffers torn anterior cruciate ligament in Bayer Leverkusen game vs Koln

Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has torn his anterior cruciate ligament, the Bundesliga club confirmed.

The 18-year-old was stretchered off in the first half of the 1-0 loss to Koln on Sunday.

The midfielder went down just outside the Koln penalty area and appeared to twist his knee after a duel with Luca Kilian.

The German team announced the diagnosis after the game and the attacking midfielder will be out for several months.

"Bayer 04 Leverkusen will have to do without midfielder Florian Wirtz in the long term," a statement on the club's website read.

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"The 18-year-old national team player tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in the Bundesliga game on Sunday afternoon, March 13, against 1. FC Köln (0-1).

"This is the diagnosis from an immediate MRI scan. The Werkself will therefore be without Wirtz for several months."

The Germany international will miss the rest of the season as a result of the injury and could also miss the World Cup in Qatar this year.

Wirtz is one of the brightest talents in Germany and has been in fine form this season. 

He has scored seven times in 23 Bundesliga matches and provided 10 assists.

Real Madrid, Manchester United, Arsenal and Bayern Munich have all been linked with a move for the Leverkusen star over the last year.