World Cup 2014 News: Spain Midfielder Thiago Alcantara Ruled Out Of Summer Tournament With Knee Injury

After tearing interior ligaments in his right knee during a training session earlier this week, Bayern Munich and Spanish National team midfielder Thiago Alcantara has been ruled out for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil. The 23-year-old was recently named to Spain's provisional World Cup team but due to the severity of the injury and impending surgery that will follow, the former Barcelona talent will not be able to take the pitch when his native club begins their quest for a repeat title. Thiago partially tore his interior ligament in March and was optimistic he'd be able to return in top form, but the newest injury now means the midfielder will be shelved for this weekend's DFB-Pokal final against rival Borussia Dortmund and beyond.

Expressing his remorse for the talented youngster, Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said that he truly feels for Alcantara but is optimistic he'll be ready for the opening portion of next season. “It's just bitter for the lad,” Rummenigge told the FC Bayern website. “He's a young guy who's worked hard for his comeback and the World Cup in his father's homeland, and then suddenly his dreams are shattered. We will take care of him in the next weeks and will do all we can that he will be fit for the start of the 2014-15 season.”

In 18 total contests with Bayern Munich this year -- his first season with the Bundesliga champions -- Alcantara has recorded 3 goals and 5 assists. Appearing in 24 matches on multiple levels throughout the 2013-14 campaign with FC Bayern, the Spanish National team and Spain's U21 squad, Thiago Alcantara displayed his ability to play high-level football, recording 6 total goals on 38 shot attempts along with 6 assists. While it is certainly unfortunate he'll miss the highly anticipated World Cup, the Bundesliga star still has plenty of time to grow in professional football and if he's able to recover in time for the start of next season, expect this Spanish talent to help Bayern play atop the league on a consistent basis.