Germany midfielder Leon Goretzka, who was stuck on the face by an opponent’s foot, is ruled out of the next game for Germany. The event took place in the 8th minute of the match when Goretzka was trying to get control a cross. Sensing the danger Jens Hofer, left-back of Liechtenstein, put out afoot to clear a highball. But he missed the ball entirely and ended up kicking the German midfielder in the neck. This foul resulted in a penalty for Germany, and Ilkay Gundogan made no mistake in converting it to score the first goal for his side.
Although the tackle on Goretzka looked like a severe one that left him with a bruise, the midfielder continues to play on. He even assisted in the 22nd minute of the game to help his side take a 3-0 lead. It was only after 35 minutes later, he was withdrawn at halftime. According to AP’s reports, Germany’s management later issued a statement in which they announced his unavailability for the next match. They mentioned that he has “bruising in his head and neck area,” following which he will be rested for the game against Armenia on Sunday.
Germany already has a long list of unavailable players, including Julian Draxler’s names, who remained as an unused sub on Thursday. Then the German management has also sent back Neuer and Reus to their respective clubs to provide them with proper rest. At the same time, Antonio Rudiger is suspended after accumulating too many yellow cards. None of this will affect Germany, though, as they have already qualified for Qatar’s World Cup next year.
