It’s another major international soccer tournament and you can’t keep Germany out of the spotlight. The 4-time World Champions will be on home soil in this year’s Euro 2024 and once again enter it as favorites facing minor challenges. Their performance has dipped after winning the 2014 World Cup, which can boost the confidence of the opposition teams.

In addition, Julian Nagelsmann’s squad has faced injury setbacks recently which will concern them a little more. But who are the players involved and will Die Mannschaft be affected as they take on Scotland in the opener tomorrow?

Germany’s Soccer team loses key player ahead of Euro 2024

The hosts would have hoped for a wholly fit squad for the continental competition. But after suffering an attacking setback in May, their midfield has also taken a backseat with Aleksandar Pavlovic moving out of the squad, just days before the tournament begins according to reports. Pavlovic faced a relapse of tonsillitis a few days ago and was withdrawn from the roster before Germany’s friendly against Greece last Friday. Having shown his prowess throughout the previous season in club soccer, the Bayern Munich star played 25 games, scoring and assisting twice. But it was his holding ability that impressed a lot of supporters. Nevertheless, the coach felt better to rest the player.

The 20-year-old had the same issue earlier this March, hence Nagelsmann stated, “If he arrives here and is exerted, the residual risk is high that he will get another infection on the tonsils and drop out again,” to avoid any long-term consequences.

Subsequently, Borussia Dortmund’s captain Emre Can replaced him in the defensive midfield. Can has 43 caps to his name, including spells in the previous Euro, and brings speed and strength to the team in the middle of the park. But the 3-time Euro winners also have another concern.

Nationalelf Fitness Watch: Updates on Other Players

Despite a few injuries, Germany still has a formidable squad thanks to its backups. Yet they could have been more content if their striker Serge Gnabry could have made it to the team. The former Arsenal player suffered a hamstring injury during the Champions League semifinals last month and is ruled out for the tournament. Gnabry played 45 games for the national team, scoring 22 goals and providing 9 assists, making him a vital player over the years.

Despite his constant injuries, on a positive note, the medical team deemed Manuel Neuer fit. The goalkeeper faced a left adductor injury in March and had a serious injury in December 2022 that sidelined him for more than 11 months. Nonetheless, the 2014 World Cup winner may play his last tournament for Germany. The rest of the team does not have additional issues and is a favorite for tomorrow’s game.