Injured Germany star visits squad ahead of Italy showdown

With full reliance and trust from  Hansi Flick and Julian Nagelsmann, Niclas Füllkrug missed out on Germany’s latest squad because of a hamstring injury. However, that didn’t prevent the West Ham United striker from travelling to Dortmund to meet up with the German national team ahead of their UEFA Nations League clash against Italy.

According to reports from the German media, Füllkrug flew to Dortmund to have a team meal at the team’s restaurant in Dortmund. 

The 32-year-old was also present for the team photo in the restaurant and was also present at the team’s final training session in Brackel on Wednesday.

However, Füllkrug was not named in Nagelsmann’s squad and will not travel to Milan. 

The former Werder Bremen and Dortmund forward has missed 21 games across all competitions for West Ham this season with an Achilles injury and then a hamstring injury.

Füllkrug plans to return to the West Ham squad following the international break.

Should the German prove his fitness upon his return to the pitch, then he will remain in Nagelsmann’s plans for the national team.

Other absentees like Florian Wirtz, who sustained an ankle injury during Bayer Leverkusen’s defeat against Werder Bremen, and Kai Havertz continue to be sidelined with injuries while Serge Gnabry and Julian Brandt weren’t called upon. 

There was, however, a place for Leon Goretzka, who returns to the national team for the first time since November 2023.

There was also a place for Mainz’ Nadiem Amiri and Jonathan Burkardt, both of whom have helped their club side into a Champions League position. Inter’s Yann Aurel Bisseck also received a maiden call-up to the national team.

Italy and Germany will continue their long-standing footballing rivalry when they meet in a two-legged quarter-final in the UEFA Nations League today Thursday Italy and Germany will continue their long-standing footballing rivalry when they meet in a two-legged quarter-final in the UEFA Nations League today Thursday, starting with a showdown in Milan.

These are the two most successful European nations when it comes to major honors, winning four World Cups each, including one in each other’s backyard, and enjoying further glory in the European Championship.