CARDIFF: Manchester City faces an anxious wait over Leroy Sane after the winger was forced off injured during an FA Cup game at second-tier Cardiff, with the horror tackle drawing a reaction on social media from the German Football Federation.
Looking ahead to the World Cup in Russia, the DFB tweeted: "Hey CardiffCityFC. Just letting you know, we have a really important tournament in the summer. Please don't hurt our players. Thanks."
Put through on goal in first-half stoppage time of the fourth-round match, Germany midfielder Sane was scythed down by Cardiff's Joe Bennett, who was fortunate to receive just a yellow card for the high tackle.
"(Sane) will be out for a while, a few weeks or months, we will see," said City manager Pep Guardiola, who confronted referee Lee Mason at full time.
"Referees have to protect the players and not just my players, all players. Where there is fault, there is fault and when it is dangerous, it is dangerous. You are not more brave for kicking."
Bennett was eventually sent off as the midfielder received a second yellow card for another challenge in the closing stages.
City won 2-0.