Borussia Dortmund captain Marco Reus bas been omitted by head coach Hansi Flick from Germany’s squad for the World Cup, whereas 2014 World Cup hero Mario Goetze makes a shock return. “We’re looking forward to seeing him,” Flick mentioned of 30-year-old Goetze, who final performed for Germany 5 years in the past. “We have a very good squad we can take with us” Flick mentioned on Thursday in Frankfurt. Flick additionally chosen uncapped duo Werder Bremen striker Niklas Fuellkrug and 17-year-old Dortmund ahead Youssoufa Moukoko.

While Moukoko has represented his nation at junior stage, that is the primary time Fuellkrug, 29, will don a Germany shirt.

“He is someone who is constantly trying to improve” Flick mentioned of Fuellkrug, “he gives the team the confidence that anything is possible”.

Alongside Reus, there have been a number of high-profile absences within the squad, together with Reus’ Dortmund teammate Mats Hummels and Inter Milan wing-back Robin Gosens.

Former Chelsea striker Timo Werner was dominated out in early November on account of a leg harm.

Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has overcome latest shoulder points to be named captain, whereas his veteran Bayern Munich teammate Thomas Mueller has been included regardless of a again situation which has restricted his appearances since late September.

Flick confirmed Reus would miss the match on account of an ankle downside he suffered in September.

Reus, 33, missed the 2014 World Cup on account of a foot harm picked up within the final pleasant earlier than leaving for South America, whereas he was additionally lower for the 2016 Euros on account of health points.

Reus performed his solely World Cup in Russia in 2018, scoring considered one of Germany’s two targets within the match as they had been eradicated within the group stage.

– Reus’ absence ‘hurts us’ –

Flick mentioned he regretted leaving Reus out of the squad, telling reporters “we had to decide whether to take the risk or not” with the star’s troublesome ankle.

“It just hurts us because we could have made good use of his quality.

“I’ve usually mentioned how a lot I recognize him as a footballer. With the presents he has within the remaining third, he’s good for each crew.

“We will miss him”.

Flick additionally hinted the squad was chosen “with an eye on the future”, referencing the absence of Hummels, who has performed 76 occasions for Germany.

“We is in excellent shape and is a very valuable player for Dortmund.”

Southampton centre-back Armel Bella-Kotchap, 20, was named forward of Hummels.

Four-time winners Germany play their first match on November 23 in opposition to Japan.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (captain) (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona/ESP), Kevin Trapp (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Defence: Armel Bella Kotchap (Southampton/ENG), Matthias Ginter (Freiburg), Christian Guenter (Freiburg), Thilo Kehrer (West Ham United/ENG), Lukas Klostermann (RB Leipzig), David Raum (RB Leipzig), Antonio Ruediger (Real Madrid/ESP), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Niklas Suele (Borussia Dortmund)

Promoted

Midfield and forwards: Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund), Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund), Niclas Fuellkrug (Werder Bremen), Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Mario Goetze (Eintracht Frankfurt), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City/ENG), Kai Havertz (Chelsea/ENG), Jonas Hofmann (Borussia Moenchengladbach), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Youssoufa Moukoko (Borussia Dortmund), Thomas Mueller (Bayern Munich), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich)

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