Midfielder Odebrecht to miss out for Germany

Viola Odebrecht will miss Germany's UEFA Women's EURO 2013 campaign in Sweden after an MRI scan confirmed that the VfL Wolfsburg midfielder has damaged cartilage and torn the meniscus in her right knee.

"I've had bad knee problems for a few months now that have gotten worse when we play more than once a week," said the 30-year-old. "It's inevitable that I'll need an operation. Obviously I'm very disappointed. Two years ago, no one would have thought that I'd even play international football again but I've always been involved recently. That's a great thing for me."

Absent from tonight's UEFA Women's Champions League final through suspension, Odebrecht added: "I'll have an operation at the start of June so that I can get back to fitness as soon as possible. My aim is to be fit for the start of the Bundesliga season in September."

Germany coach Silvia Neid explained: "Obviously it's unfortunate for us and above all a real shame for Viola. She has been an integral part of the team recently and has shown how important she is for us with some good performances. We will miss her, not least because of her experience, but also her place in defensive midfield."

Neid has named 22-year-old Isabelle Linden from Bayer 04 Leverkusen as Odebrecht's replacement. Germany meet Iceland, the Netherlands and Norway in Group B at the tournament.