A lot of Germany fans were perplexed when head coach Julian Nagelsmann lined up with an unchanged XI against Switzerland with progression to the knockout rounds already sealed. Nagelsmann explained his reasoning both before and after the game, but the worries of fans that unnecessary suspensions/fitness concerns could impact the team in the game were realized as Jonathan Tah picked up a booking was suspended for the Round of 16 match against Denmark.
But it might get even worse.
Real Madrid’s Antonio Rüdiger suffered what appeared to be a slight knock in the closing stages of the match, but that knock has kept him out of training for nearly the entire week. According to Bild, as captured by @iMiaSanMia, “DFB doctors are working to make Rüdiger fit for the game. The plan is for Rüdiger to resume training towards the end of the week.” However, as of now, Rüdiger remains a “doubt” for the game against Denmark, which could mean both of Germany’s starting center backs are unavailable. Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck seems set to replace Tah while Waldemar Anton or Robin Koch would be the next center-backs in the squad available to replace Rüdiger.
There is growing hope for Rüdiger, though, as he did resume work on the ball earlier today:
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