Germany have announced that Kai Havertz and Nico Schlotterbeck have both left the national team and will not play in their friendly against Belgium.
Kai Havertz has contracted the flu while Nico Schlotterbeck is experiencing thigh problems. Both played in Germany’s 2-0 win against Peru on Saturday night with Havertz playing 75 minutes missing a penalty before being replaced by Kevin Schade. While Schlotterbeck was subbed off due to his injury in the 86th minute being replaced by Thilo Kehrer.
Schlotterbeck’s injury may allow Malik Thiaw to make his senior Germany debut against Belgium, while Havertz’s absence could give Mergim Berisha, Kevin Schade and even Felix Nmecha a chance to start.
The severity of Schlotterbeck’s injury is currently unknown but he could potentially be in a race against time to be fit for Borussia Dortmund’s game against Bayern Munich on Saturday. If he is not fit in time, Mats Hummels will have to step up against his former team, the 34-year-old last started in Dortmund’s 2-2 draw with Schalke.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
