Berlin, Jan 25 (IANS): German international Marcel Halstenberg will miss the rest of the football season after suffering a knee ligament injury, Leipzig confirmed in an official statement.

Leipzig's defender is likely to miss the rest of the season and the FIFA World Cup 2018 after suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament ins his left knee during a trainings session on Tuesday, reports Xinhua news agency.

Halstenberg's injury was confirmed by doctor Ulrich Boenisch following a MRI scan on Wednesday. He will spend "several months on the sidelines", as the 26-year-old will have to "undergo a surgery in the coming days", the club said in a statement.

The defender plays since 2015 for Leipzig and marked four goals in 69 appearances. His performances in the Bundesliga earned him a call into Germany's national team where he made his debut against England in November 2017.

Leipzig sit on the 4th place of the standings. The "Bulls" clash with struggling bottom side Hamburg at the 20th round in Bundesliga on Saturday.