Antonio Rüdiger injured – Nagelsmann angry about Tah suspension

The German national team could have serious problems in central defence before the start of the knockout phase. For the round of 16 against the second-placed team in Group C (England, Serbia, Denmark or Slovenia) on Saturday evening in Dortmund (9 p.m./ZDF and MagentaTV) Jonathan Tah is definitely out due to a yellow card suspension, and there is a big question mark over Antonio Rüdiger’s participation after the last-minute draw (1:1) in the group final against Switzerland on Sunday evening.

Champions League winner Rüdiger left the match against Switzerland on Sunday evening obviously in pain. “Antonio has problems with his thigh. I hope nothing serious,” said national coach Julian Nagelsmann at MagentaTVThe national coach continued that no details about a possible injury were known yet. The 31-year-old was still euphoric about Niclas Füllkrug’s late equaliser, but was soon back on the ground after the final whistle.

Nagelsmann complains about yellow card against Tah

A Rüdiger absence in the round of 16 would be particularly bitter because his teammate Tah will be missing due to a yellow card suspension – a suspension that Nagelsmann did not agree with after the final whistle. In the 38th minute, Tah was cautioned by the Italian referee Daniele Orsato after a tackle with Breel Embolo. The 28-year-old Leverkusen professional hit the Swiss striker on the shoulder with his leg in a clumsy move and also hit Embolo’s head with his thigh – but also the ball. “That is never a yellow card. He gets to the ball earlier and Embolo is just too late,” complained Nagelsmann.

However, the national coach believes there are enough alternatives for the centre-backs for a round of 16 match: “We brought in Nico (Schlotterbeck) early on, and Waldi (Waldemar Anton) is also ready. We have enough quality,” said Nagelsmann. Robin Koch is also in the DFB squad. Nagelsmann used the same formation three times in the three preliminary round matches. In Dortmund, there will be at least one change for the first time.

Before that, the DFB professionals are allowed to relax. After winning the group, the DFB eleven is starting the new week with a measured program. After the usual substitute training on Monday, the national players will have a day off on Tuesday, the national coach announced late on Sunday evening in ARD-Interview. The players around captain Ilkay Gündogan have to stay in the team quarters in Herzogenaurach, but can organize their time there freely, the coach noted.