Lea Schüller Misses Training Ahead of Germany Against Australia
Germany women’s national football team faces a potential roster crisis ahead of their upcoming international friendly against Australia, with star striker Lea Schüller sidelined by illness. Head coach Christian Wück acknowledged the mounting squad difficulties during a press conference at the venue. He stated that he still held a small hope that the former Bayern Munich forward could take the pitch against the Matildas. “Naturally, the absences are not nice,” Wück said. “I think it is no big secret that not everything is running the way we imagine it in our rose-colored heaven.”
Multiple Squad Absences Strain Germany’s Roster
The German Football Association confirmed that Schüller is far from the only absentee for the start of the World Cup season. Forward Selina Cerci of Arsenal is sidelined with knee discomfort, Eintracht Frankfurt forward Larissa Mühlhaus is battling an infection, and Athletic Bilbao defender Bibiane Schulze Solano is out with a muscular injury.
These players join a lengthy preexisting injury list that already included captain Giulia Gwinn of Bayern Munich following a ligament tear. Vivien Endemann of Liverpool, Rebecca Knaak of Manchester City, and Kathrin Hendrich of 1. FC Köln also pulled out of the September fixtures.
In goal, regular starter Ann-Katrin Berger of the United States club Gotham FC opted out of both upcoming matches. Ena Mahmutovic of Bayern Munich will step in between the posts to earn her third international cap.
Wück Calls Up Replacements for Upcoming Fixtures
To compensate for the attacking shortage, Wück previously recalled former Frankfurt player Nicole Anyomi from the London City Lionesses. On short notice, the coach also called up 18-year-old Luzie Zähringer, captain of Germany’s under-19 side and a player for Bundesliga newcomer VfB Stuttgart.
Following Friday’s match against Australia, the German squad remains scheduled to face Japan on Tuesday at 17:45 in Bremen.
Keep reading