BVB’s Reus on injury: “Maybe it started too early” – World Cup out hurt a lot

Missed a major tournament for the 3rd time

Marco Reus has digested his renewed injury-related cancellation of a major tournament with the German national team reasonably well and is confident about his comeback in the new year. “Basically, it hurts a lot not to be at the World Cup. I did everything for it, but there were a few complications. I’ve had the ankle injury for too long and should have been fit again long ago. I may have started too early to get my rhythm back,” said the Borussia Dortmund captain on Sunday on the “Bild” TV station.

“It’s part of competitive sport. I’m basically a positive person and I’ll deal with it sensibly,” said the 33-year-old, not ruling out the possibility of taking part in the 2024 European Championships in Germany. “One should never say never. But a lot can happen before then. I’m open to everything.” But first of all, complete recovery and sensible rehabilitation are in the foreground. His goal: On January 2nd, “in top shape and without pain”, to start preparing for the second part of the Bundesliga season.

Due to injuries, Reus had already missed the 2014 World Cup, when the DFB-Elf was crowned world champion in Brazil, and the 2016 European Championship, when they reached the semi-finals. In total, he has been on the pitch 48 times for Germany, most recently in November 2021.

Reus has played twelve games for BVB this season. Like seven other Dortmunders, his contract expires next summer. Regarding a possible extension, the right-footer emphasized that everyone knows “that I have a great relationship with this club, that I love the club very, very much. But as far as the other questions are concerned, you have to ask Sebastian Kehl (sports director, ed.). In the end it’s not up to me.” Reus has been active for BVB since 2012, which makes him by far the longest-serving player in the squad – even in a league-wide comparison, only nine other players are ahead of him in the ranking of the most loyal players.

Reus on Hummels’ non-nomination: “Mats is strong enough in the head”

Despite the injury, Reus is taking part in the black and yellow trip to Asia, which begins on Monday, with stops in Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam. “We had a lot of discussions about it and weighed it up. From a marketing point of view, this trip is incredibly important for the club, and as a captain you still want to be there and help the club on site. I hope that we will have good opportunities to continue training there. We’re in a good position in terms of physio,” explained the attacking player.

Also in Asia is Mats Hummels (33), who was not nominated for the World Cup. The central defender doesn’t need consolation, however, according to Reus. “Everyone makes up their own minds in a situation like this. He knows that he played an excellent first half of the season, unfortunately the national coach decided otherwise. But Mats is mentally strong enough to rest now and attack again in the new year.”

Hansi Flick appointed a total of five BVB professionals, making Borussia the second largest block behind FC Bayern. The German record champion sends a septet to DFB captain Manuel Neuer. Hummels described the non-consideration, which Flick explained with regard to younger central defenders, as “one of the biggest disappointments of my career”.

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