Report: Germany’s Flick to recall Gündogan and Rüdiger for June games

 

BERLIN – Germany coach Hansi Flick will recall experienced duo Ilkay Gündogan and Antonio Rüdiger for three June friendlies, Kicker magazine reported on Thursday.

Flick will announce his squad on Friday for the June 12 encounter against Ukraine in Bremen, the 1,000th match played by Germany, as well as the game in Poland on June 16 and the friendly with Colombia in Gelsenkirchen on June 20.

Manchester City midfielder Gündogan was absent from the March friendlies against Peru (2-0 win) and Belgium (3-2 loss) because he had become a father. Real Madrid defender Rüdiger was among the players rested by Flick in March as he took a look at younger players ahead of Germany hosting Euro 2024 next June and July.

Gündogan will not face Ukraine as he is playing in the Champions League final against Inter Milan in Istanbul with his club two days earlier.

Flick had already announced in March that veteran Thomas Müller would also not be considered for the triple-header in June. Flick will announce on Friday whether other experienced players such as Leroy Sané and Niklas Süle will return.

Jamal Musiala, who had to miss the March friendlies due to an injury, is almost certain to be in the squad. Captain and goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will not be available again until September at the earliest after breaking his leg.

Germany welcome Japan on September 9 in Wolfsburg and France on September 12 in Dortmund, one of the 10 host cities for Euro 2024.

As part of their warm-up preparations for the Euros, Flick’s side will also travel to Hartford, Connecticut to face the United States on October 14. Another friendly in the US against as yet unknown opponents is also pencilled in, with Germany not playing in qualifiers for their home Euros.