Amsterdam’s opening night of the Nations League has left Germany with two fitness concerns and an early reshuffle before the squad moves on through a three-week international window. Jamal Musiala and Kai Havertz have both departed camp after suffering muscle injuries in the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands.
Key takeaways
- Musiala has sustained a tear in his right thigh and will return to Munich for treatment.
- Havertz suffered a muscle strain after being caught by Quinten Timber in the 28th minute.
- Jonathan Burkardt and Florian Wirtz will join the Germany group on Friday ahead of schedule.
- Germany face Greece in Augsburg on Sunday before Nations League fixtures against Serbia and Greece next month.
Two withdrawals after Amsterdam draw
Musiala had been expected to start against the Dutch in Amsterdam, but stopped his warm-up after feeling discomfort in his right thigh. Nadiem Amiri was brought into the side at the last moment to fill the creative role.
Medical examinations subsequently identified a muscular tear. Germany have not indicated how serious the injury is or provided a likely recovery period, but the Bayern Munich player will now continue his rehabilitation in Munich rather than remain with the national team.
Havertz’s evening ended during the first half. The Arsenal forward was on the receiving end of a forceful challenge from Quinten Timber, who was shown a yellow card, and left the pitch shortly after the 28th minute. Younes Ebnoutalib replaced him.
The assessment on Havertz is a muscle strain, adding another absence to a Germany squad already operating across two separate groups during the extended international break.
Burkardt and Wirtz called forward
Jonathan Burkardt and Florian Wirtz will report to the squad on Friday, earlier than initially planned, to cover the departures of Musiala and Havertz.
Jürgen Klopp had selected 44 players for the three-week camp, dividing them between two lists. The first group was intended for the Netherlands match and Sunday’s meeting with Greece in Augsburg.
A second intake had been scheduled from Monday for the following Nations League ties: Serbia visit Munich on 1 October, before Germany travel to Thessaloniki to play Greece on 4 October. With Musiala and Havertz now out, Burkardt and Wirtz will be involved sooner than expected as the itinerary moves from Amsterdam back across Germany and then towards the Balkans.
