Tests this morning revealed the Schalke captain had broken his foot during yesterday's 3-0 win against Hungary in Budapest.

His withdrawal comes after captain Michael Ballack, Christian Trasch, Rene Adler and Simon Rolfes were also ruled out of participating in South Africa.

Westermann said: "Of course I am totally disappointed because being at the World Cup was a big goal of mine."

Coach Joachim Low said: "Heiko would have played a major role for us at the World Cup.

"He was very important due to his versatility."

Germany's squad has now been reduced to 24 players, meaning Low has to cut just one by Tuesday.