Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder Sebastian Deisler is now going to miss the World Cup Finals due of a knee injury, the German Football Association (DFB) announced on Saturday.

The 26-year-old defender had an arthroscopy performed in the United States which showed that Diesler will need knee surgery and will be out of action for at least six months.

"This is a shock for us and a tragedy for him," said Germany assistant coach Joachim Loew. "He's such an important player for us."

One of few naturally talented players in Germany and a great crosser of the ball, Deisler would have been an automatic choice. His injury is a terrible blow to national coach Jürgen Klinsmann's World Cup set-up.

"He played an important role in my World Cup plans but now it's over," said Klinsmann.

Deisler was one of the oustanding players in the Germany side that reached the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup last June and Klinsmann was planning on using Diesler and fellow team-mate, Bayern Munich captian and Chelsea FC target Michael Ballack in midfield.

Deisler has already had four operations on his right knee, one of which meant he missed the 2002 World Cup in Korea/Japan.

He sustained this latest injury in a clash with England midfielder Owen Hargreaves during training for his club Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

The operation will be performed by renowned American knee specialist Richard Steadman at his clinic in Vail, Colorado, who has also treated other footballers such as former England captain Alan Shearer and Czech Republic midfielder Patrick Berger.

Bayern commercial manager Uli Hoeness said: "This is a big loss for Bayern and for Germany."

Deisler was hailed as a unique talent when he was a teenager but his promising career has been hobbled by injury. He was sidelined for five months in the 2003-04 season while being treated for depression.

His doctor said at the time that pressure to live up to expectations and the fight against injuries, as well as private problems, had taken their toll on the Bayern midfielder.

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