Germany’s Nations League window has turned sharply in the space of one evening, with Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz both forced out after the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in Amsterdam.
Musiala leaves camp with thigh tear
Musiala had been due to start Thursday’s opening Nations League fixture against the Dutch, but stopped his warm-up after feeling pain in his right thigh. Nadiem Amiri was brought into the side at the last moment to play as the attacking midfielder.
Medical examinations have since confirmed a muscle tear in Musiala’s right thigh. The Bayern Munich player will return to Munich for treatment, although no indication has been given on the seriousness of the injury or a possible recovery timetable.
- Musiala withdrew before kick-off in Amsterdam.
- Germany drew 1-1 with the Netherlands in their first match of the window.
- Amiri took Musiala’s place in the starting team.
- The 22-year-old will now undergo treatment in Munich.
Havertz also ruled out after Timber challenge
Havertz will not be available either after sustaining a muscle strain during the Netherlands match. The Arsenal forward was on the receiving end of a heavy challenge from Quinten Timber in the 28th minute, an incident that resulted in a yellow card for the Dutch player.
Havertz was unable to continue and was replaced shortly afterwards by Younes Ebnoutalib. Like Musiala, he will leave the Germany squad before Sunday’s meeting with Greece in Augsburg, scheduled for 20:45.
Burkardt and Wirtz brought forward
Jonathan Burkardt and Florian Wirtz have been called into the camp earlier than planned to cover the two absences. Both players had initially been selected for the later part of the international period.
Jürgen Klopp named 44 players across two separate squads for the three-week international window. The first group was intended for the trip to Amsterdam and the home match against Greece, while the second was set to assemble from Monday.
- Germany v Greece, Augsburg — Sunday, 20:45
- Germany v Serbia, Munich — 1 October
- Greece v Germany, Thessaloniki — 4 October
Musiala and Havertz belonged to the initial group, while Burkardt and Wirtz were originally due to join only for the Serbia and Greece fixtures at the start of October. Their arrival on Friday gives Germany fresh attacking options, but removes two major names from the immediate plans for Augsburg.
