World Cup woe for Zickler

The 27-year-old needs to have surgery on a troublesome right calf and will be out of action for up to three months, a major blow to the player and German national coach Rudi Voller.

"I am completely shocked, this is a bitter blow to me," said Zickler.

"I will be out for three months. I am obviously devastated by the news, but hopefully we might have found out the real cause for all my problems during the past few years."

Zickler was almost certain to be part of Voller's squad for the finals in the Far East but the injury-blighted star will have to watch his compatriots from the treatment table.

With Carsten Jancker ruled out and now Bayern team-mate Zickler, Voller may opt to pair Oliver Bierhoff and Oliver Neuville up front.

Defensive quartet Christian Worns, Christoph Metzelder, Sebastian Kehl and Jens Nowotny have all been forced to withdraw from Voller's squad to face the USA next Wednesday in Rostock.

Voller may use the friendly as a chance to experiment with the rearguard, with Werder Bremen custodian Frank Rost expected to start between the sticks.