Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan misses Euro 2016 due to injury

Dortmund confirmed the news on their Twitter account, divulging brief information about a serious knee injury.

"Season end and Euro out. Gundogan dislocated his knee cap in training," the club wrote on Twitter. "Get well soon."

The 25-year-old will miss the rest of the season and the European Championship in France this summer.

Already there is speculation that reported interest from new Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola may not materialise this summer as a result of the blow.

But what is certain is that after the latest injury setback to afflict the midfielder, Gundogan will not go to the Euros with Germany.

The Dortmund star played 369 minutes during qualification - spread across five matches.

His injury could not have come at a worse time for national team coach Joachim Loew, who will now have to wait and see whether captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, another holding midfielder, will recover from his injury in time for the tournament in France starting on June 10.

"Obviously this is a setback for us all and especially bitter for Ilkay," said Loew.

"After missing Brazil through injury he will now also miss Euro 2016 for which he had a lot of expectations. He was in good form... and had played a central part in our planning."

"We all at the team wish him to come back on to the pitch soon," said the coach.

Gundogan was seen as a likely successor to 31-year-old Schweinsteiger in Germany's midfield alongside Toni Kroos.

The Germans have been drawn in Group C along with Poland, Ukraine and Northern Ireland.

Gundogan's injury is also a blow to his club, with Dortmund five points behind leaders Bayern Munich with two matches left to play in the Bundesliga and an outside chance at the title.

They also face the Bavarians in the season-ending German Cup final on May 21 in Berlin.

Sven Busch, Eurosport.de: "After having missed the World Cup in Brazil with back problems it’s the second major blow for him. But even with injured captain Bastian Schweinsteiger being doubtful for the Euros the German team should be able to cope as there are enough talented midfielders in the squad, plus Gundogan's place in the starting XI was far from being certain. Next to Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira should get the nod from coach Joachim Low. Liverpool’s Emre Can, world champion Christoph Kramer and Dortmund youngster Julian Weigl are also options."