Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann on Thursday put a positive spin on his side’s long injury list, saying it was a “good opportunity” for inexperienced players to prove their worth.
Germany’s preparation for Friday’s match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica was disrupted by seven injury-forced changes.
Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen picked up a long-term knee injury in September, Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala and Niclas Fuellkrug all miss out up front while Robin Koch, David Raum and Benjamin Henrichs are absent in defence.
Henrichs’ absence, announced on Wednesday, came through so late that Nagelsmann opted against replacing him, meaning Germany travel with 22 players, one less than their possible squad allocation of 23.
In their place, veteran Tim Kleindienst, Jamie Leweling and Jonathan Burkhardt received a first-ever call-up, while Nagelsmann brought back Robin Gosens and Kevin Schade.
“You can look at it both ways. You can complain, or — the view that I take — see it as a good opportunity for the core team at the Euros to transfer the atmosphere that we had there and the way we played to the new team.
“For the newer players or those who have played less recently, it’s a chance to get playing time.”
Captain Joshua Kimmich described the comings and goings as “crazy” on Tuesday, saying “it feels like half the squad has changed”.
However, he added that those who had been called up as replacements had “earned their place”.
The coach said he “did not want to constantly complain about the schedule”, but added “in the NBA the players play 80 games and travel a lot, but they have a very long break — we don’t have that in football”.
None of the goalkeepers in the squad have a Germany cap, the first time that has happened since 2008.
Despite previously saying Oliver Baumann would play both Friday’s match and Monday’s game against the Netherlands in Munich, the coach changed his mind this week.
Hoffenheim’s Baumann will take the pitch against the Netherlands and Alexander Nuebel, in Stuttgart on a long-term loan from Bayern Munich, will face Bosnia.
Nuebel told reporters Thursday: “Of course there are some nerves there… (but) the anticipation outweighs everything else.”
Friday’s stadium holds only 13,500 spectators, with Germany-born Bosnia forward Ermedin Demirovic on Thursday warning Germany could “expect a completely different sport”.
Nagelsmann said his side were ready for a “heated atmosphere”, telling reporters “it’s actually charming and quite healthy that you’re not just getting used to the top stadiums”.
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