Draxler out injured

Wolfsburg midfielder Julian Draxler has tore muscles in his left thigh and is expected to lead a lengthy absence from first team football at the club.

The German international is expected to be out for several weeks after picking up the injury in Tuesday's Champions League quarterfinal tie with Real Madrid and may now miss out on Joachim Löw's squad for the forthcoming European Championships in France.

Löw is expected to name his preliminary squad for the coming tournament next month and although Draxler may be back from his injury there's no telling if he will be fit enough ahead of the competition.

"I am disappointed and it is very bitter that I cannot help the team reach our season goal," Draxler said. "I will now do everything I can to come back as soon as possible."

His coach, Dieter Hecking, echoed a similar statement on the club website. He said: "This is bad news for both Julian and Wolfsburg. We wish him a problem-free recovery and a quick return. We now have to compensate for his absence. We have many options in midfield and will find a good solution.”

Despite an impressive run in the Champions League Wolfsburg have performed below expectations in the Bundesliga and find themselves in eighth place, nine points off a top four spot with five games remaining.