With seven months to go until the World Cup kicks off in Brazil, Germany’s manager Joachim Low must be concerned with the nature of the injuries to a few of his key players. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ilkay Gundogan and Sami Khedira who are all important members of the German midfield are nursing long term injuries and could affect their preparations leading up to the big event.
With seven months to go until the World Cup kicks off in Brazil, Germany’s manager Joachim Low must be concerned with the nature of the injuries to a few of his key players. Bastian Schweinsteiger, Ilkay Gundogan and Sami Khedira who are all important members of the German midfield are nursing long term injuries and could affect their preparations leading up to the big event.
Germany’s midfield maestro Schweinsteiger, has just done surgery on his ankle and should be out for at least two more months before returning to action. This is a huge blow for Low because even though the 29 year old dictator will get a lot of rest, Low will be worried if he will be able to get back to his best before the World Cup kicks off. ‘Schweini’ is the player who makes the talented Germans tick with his ability to create space for others, for himself and his range of passing is top class. He is the man everything goes through and his presence alone can influence the outcome of a game.
Ilkay Gundogan is the new rising star of the German set-up and is largely used as ‘Scwieni’s’ under-study. Since his move to the Signal Iduna Park he has become a top class midfielder showcasing all the attributes of being a true midfield maestro. He has the natural ability to get past players in midfield, has an excellent range of passes, high work rate, scores great goals and brings calmness, composure and assurance in midfield. However, he has not featured for Borussia Dortmund since August after picking up a back injury in an international friendly against Paraguay. A date for his return is still not known and with Schwiensteiger also injured, Low must be keeping a close eye on both players during their recovery.
The most worrying injury for Low must be that of midfield destroyer Sami Khedira. The Real Madrid man collided with Andrea Pirlo and tore his anterior cruciate ligament as well as the medial collateral ligament in his right knee. The 26 year old will no doubt require surgery and there are fears he will not be fit in time for the World Cup. Khedira has been ever-present in the middle of the park for Germany since 2010 and his absence will be a serious blow as he has developed a great partnership with Schweinsteiger. Even German legend Lothar Matthaus believes that Khedira will miss the World Cup because he won’t have enough time to be fit enough in June.
The Germans should have great replacements, however these are experienced players who are feared by many opponents. The likes of Lars Bender, Sven Bender, Sebastian Rode and Roman Neustadter are very good young players all eager to get their chance. Joachim Low is spoilt for choices but there is no doubt he will hope that these three mega stars will be available for selection come June.
Writer: Yashiema Love
Photo: German coach – Joachim Low (Getty Images)
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