From BZ/dpa
Almost exactly nine months after his last international match, Thomas Müller is nominated for the national team again. Flick brings the Munich man back because there is a risk that there will be no filling krug.
Rio World Champion Thomas Müller returns to the national team. The Bayern professional, who has not been considered since the end of the World Cup in Qatar at the end of 2022, was appointed by the national coach on Monday Hansi Flick for the games on Saturday (8.45 p.m.) against World Cup shock Japan in Wolfsburg and three days later against vice world champions France in Dortmund. The 33-year-old made his last of 121 international appearances in a 4-2 win against Costa Rica in the third World Cup preliminary round.
Flick reacted on Monday to an imminent failure of Niclas filling jug. According to the DFB, the new Dortmunder will travel to the team headquarters in Wolfsburg as planned on Monday evening, but “due to a tendon irritation” he could “not be available” in the two test games.
Last Saturday, Müller started for the first time this season in Bayern’s 2-1 win at Borussia Mönchengladbach. A persistent hip injury had cost him a large part of the pre-season. “I’m lively, I feel good too,” said Müller afterwards. He was “always in very good contact with Hansi,” said the offensive player with a view to the DFB selection.
“I am ready for all crimes”
“We value each other personally and sportively. He knows: I am ready for all outrages. But I also believe that German football doesn’t depend on my personal details.”
Immediately after the win against Costa Rica almost exactly nine months ago, which could not prevent Germany from knocking out the World Cup, Müller hinted at a DFB resignation, but quickly put this statement into perspective. At the World Cup, Müller was one of the starting eleven in all three group games, but – like the majority of the team – was not able to convince.
Last Thursday, when the squad was announced, Flick reported on a conversation with Müller. “First of all, it is important that after his injury, after the problems he had, he gets a foothold at Bayern Munich again.” The procedure was “clearly agreed”.
On the offensive against Japan, Flick will certainly have to do without Müller’s Bayern team-mate Jamal Musiala, who is only due to travel to the team headquarters in Wolfsburg on Wednesday after tearing a muscle fiber. Musiala would then be an option again for the game against France in Dortmund, Flick said.