Liverpool target Hoffenheim Kerem Demirbay is facing a long spell on the sidelines after suffering ankle ligament damage during Hoffenheim’s 1-1 draw with Hertha Berlin this weekend.
Demirbay was forced off after 16 minutes of Saturday’s draw following a tackle from Hertha’s Jordan Torunarigha before going straight to hospital for further examination.
According to the Bundesliga’s official website, scan results revealed Demirbay ruptured the anterior ligament and partially tore the syndesmosis ligament in his right ankle.
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is reportedly weighing up a summer move for the 24-year-old as a potential replacement for Emre Can.
The Germany international is widely expected to leave Liverpool to join Juventus when his current deal expires at the end of the season and Klopp is already drafting a list of possible replacements.
However, Demirbay is now set for a lengthy period of the sidelines which is not only a huge blow for Hoffenheim, but also the midfielder’s hopes of turning out at the 2018 World Cup.
Since the start of last season, only Jhon Cordoba (109) and Naby Keita (90) and Bobby Wood (88) have been dispossessed more times than Demirbay (85) in the Bundesliga.
