Catastrophe for Bayer Leverkusen as Florian Wirtz goes off injured less than 15 minutes after coming on ahead of crucial Champions League clash against Bayern Munich

Leverkusen's talisman started Saturday's fixture from the bench, possibly with the idea of keeping him fresh for Tuesday's Champions League tie. However, a seventh minute goal by Rolando Schmid forced Xabi Alonso's hand, and Wirtz was introduced at half-time. A tackle by Mitchell Weiser early in the second half appeared to cause an injury to the 21-year-old's lower leg, sparking fears he could miss the second leg of the last-16 tie against Bayern.

Wirtz tried to carry on, but was eventually forced off by the injury in the 59th minute. It is unclear how severe the injury is at this time. Leverkusen would go on to lose the game 2-0 after a 94th minute effort by Justin Njinmah.

Wirtz has been Leverkusen's star man in the Bundesliga this season, contributing nine goals and 10 assists in his 25 appearances.

If Leverkusen are to have any hope of overturning their 3-0 defeat from the first leg of the European tie, they will need their star man fit and firing. Failure to secure the three points on Saturday, after Bayern's loss against Bochum, means they remain eight points behind the 33-time champions in the Bundesliga.