Dhe German national soccer team will play in the international match against Belgium (8.45 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the national team and on RTL) with Serge Gnabry and Thilo Kehrer in the starting XI. They replace the sick Kai Havertz and the slightly injured Nico Schlotterbeck in midfield and defence, who left the DFB team early on Sunday and were among the top eleven in the 2-0 win over Peru.
In attack, Niclas Füllkrug and Timo Werner should once again act as a double. “We assume that we will play in the formation – with the two in front.” Otherwise, Flick announced “one or two changes”. “We make few changes,” said Flick on Monday after the final training session on the Frankfurt DFB campus.
“Emre did well”
In defensive midfield, Dortmund’s Emre Can should again act alongside captain Joshua Kimmich. “Emre did well,” said Flick about the returnee to the national team.
The national coach left open whether Josha Vagnoman, Malick Thiaw and Felix Nmecha would make their international debuts. Flick does not take into account the top Bundesliga game between Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund on Saturday (6.30 p.m. in the FAZ live ticker for the Bundesliga and on Sky): “We don’t make a plan as to who will play how many minutes.”
Schlotterbeck’s departure due to muscular problems, Flick said, was a precautionary measure. “My information is that he will be back on the pitch in two or three days.”
The central defender should be available to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday. The 23-year-old was substituted shortly before the end against Peru with a problem in his left thigh.
Belgium classifies Flick as “a different caliber” than Peru. “Football-wise, it’s one of the best teams,” said the national coach. The “first step” against Peru should be followed by the second after the World Cup disappointment in Qatar. “The focus is very clearly that we want to play this game successfully,” said Flick.
