Nations League build-up: Gnabry in for injured Goretzka
October 10, 2018
After beginning their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 0-0 draw against France in September, there is a need for Germany to put more points on the board to keep alive their chances of topping the group to book their place in the finals stage of the tournament in June 2019.
DW has all the build-up ahead of the double-headers with the Netherlands and World Cup winners.
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Wednesday October 10
Draxler and Sane re-united at press conference
Wingers Leroy Sane and Julian Draxler were the men put up to face the media this afternoon and the pair were in relaxed form. At one point, Sane wasn't sure whether to answer in English or German, despite the question being asked auf Deutsch and endured a spot of gentle-natured ribbing from his former Schalke teammate.
After missing out on selection for the World Cup and the last friendly against Peru to attend the birth of his daughter, Sane is determined to make an impact against France and the Netherlands.
"I'm obviously even more motivated and want to showcase what I can do where I can," said the Manchester City man. "I want to improve and learn every day. Criticism spurs me on."
Draxler added that Germany "have the right level of focus and aren't taking these games lightly", as preparations for Saturday's game in Amsterdam continue.
One Bayern man for another
Leon Goretzka's absence for these games has also been confirmed. The new Bayern Munich midfielder is struggling with a thigh problem and has been replaced by clubmate Serge Gnabry. The national team are training again today, looks a nice day for it.
Tuesday October 9
Trapp replaced by Leno
Germany's injury epidemic continues apace with Eintracht Frankfurt keeper Kevin Trapp the latest withdrawal.
Goretzka's inclusion in doubt?
The latest injury headache to hit the Germany camp involves Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka.
The 23-year-old has stayed in Munich to undergo more tests on a thigh injury and is doubtful to feature during the international break.
Löw and Klopp clash over Nations League
After Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp dismissed the Nations League as 'senseless', Joachim Löw has leapt to the defense of the new competition.READ MORE: Click here to find out what the Germany head coach had to say.
Monday October 8
Rüdiger and Havertz ruled out
Joachim Löw is contending with a growing injury list ahead of Germany's UEFA Nations League ties against the Netherlands and France as Antonio Rüdiger (groin) and Kai Havertz (knee) become the latest players to drop out.
Juventus midfielder Emre Can has been called up as the only replacement, meaning Löw will have a 21-man squad at his disposal for the double-header.
Sunday October 7
Reus withdraws
Borussia Dortmund's Marco Reus has ruled himself out of contention for Germany's UEFA Nations League fixtures.
The 29-year-old has been in blistering form at the start of the season, netting four goals in seven games to help BVB climb to the Bundesliga summit. However, after his side's thrilling 4-3 win over Augsburg, the 36-time international underwent an MRI scan on his knee before it was decided that Reus would be treated in Dortmund during the international break.
Friday October 5
Mark Uth wins first Germany call up
The Schalke striker could become the 100th player to make his debut under Joachim Löw.READ MORE: Click here to find out more about the man who hasn't represented Germany since 2010!
Germany squad announced
There are few surprises in Joachim Löw's 23-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League ties against the Netherlands and World Cup winners France, with Schalke's Mark Uth the only new face.
Elsewhere, both Ilkay Gündogan (thigh) and Nils Petersen (shoulder) have failed to recover in time to earn a call up.