Müller returns to Germany national team after nine months hiatus

 

MUNICH – Bayern Munich midfielder Thomas Müller was nominated to the Germany squad for the first time in nine months, the German football federation said on Monday.

He was called up by coach Hansi Flick for friendly games against Japan on September 9 and France on September 12 as a possible back-up to Borussia Dortmund forward Niclas Füllkrug, who suffered an injury.

Füllkrug will still travel with the team, but it’s not clear whether he will be available for the games, DFB said.

Flick named his squad for this month’s matches last week and Müller was not initially on the list. Also left out were Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka and RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner.

The last time Müller played for the national team was during the disappointing campaign at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Germany were eliminated in the group stage. Since then, the midfielder was left out of friendly matches in March and June.

Müller has recently struggled with injury, missing part of Bayern’s pre-season. On Saturday, he started his first game this season in the 2-1 against Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Bayern Munich midfielder Jamal Musiala, meanwhile, completed an individual training session on Monday as he works on his way back from a hamstring injury, the Bundesliga champions said.

Musiala has been out of action since late August, but was included by Flick in the Germany squad.

“As long as his recovery continues to go to plan, the Bayern man should join up with the national team in the coming days,” Bayern said.

The Germany team is to meet on Monday in Wolfsburg, but Musiala is expected to arrive on Wednesday. If he’s fit, he should play only against France, Flick said last week.

Germany are automatically qualified as hosts for the Euro 2024 and, therefore, playing friendly games instead of the Euro qualifiers.