The DFB women have personal worries before the first group game at the World Cup in Australia. While there is hope again for Lena Oberdorf, two central defenders are likely to be out. But the players are convinced of the quality of their team.
Lena Oberdorf can train again. The defensive midfielder, who national coach Martina Voss-Tecklenburg plans to clear in front of the defence, apparently got her thigh problems under control in time for the first group game against Morocco on Monday (10.30 a.m. CEST / in the audio live stream) in Melbourne.
The 21-year-old from Wolfsburg will complete the final training session on Sunday. So nothing should stand in the way of Oberdorf, who was voted best young player both at the European Championships last year and in the past Champions League season.
We have a very high quality squad and people who can take on the roles of central defense and number six.
It is possible that she will be spared for as long as she can manage without her. MVT said on Friday that they only expected Oberdorf in the second group game. That’s due on July 30th. Opponent is then Colombia.
Another question mark in the lineup
Who would play instead of Oberdorf is open. Lena Lattwein would be a candidate. However, she explained at the press conference on Saturday that she was planned to be more offensive in midfield. The 23-year-old, however, called Melanie Leupolz as Oberdorf’s replacement: “That’s more of Melli’s position.” The Chelsea player came on as a substitute for Oberdorf during the last friendly against Zambia.
The construction site in central defense remains: Due to Marina Hegering’s ongoing heel problems, the place next to seeded Kathrin Hendrich is free. The first replacement would probably be Sjoeke Nüsken, who will start working for Chelsea after the World Cup.
However, the former Frankfurter herself is stricken. She struggles with knee problems. Her Eintracht colleague Sara Doorsoun should actually be in the starting XI. But as Lattwein said so beautifully: “Who starts on Monday is up to the coaching team.”