By Peter Vice @ViceytheSS
Germany’s FA confirmed that Leroy Sané will be sidelined for Wednesday’s opening World Cup group stage match against Japan on Tuesday morning.
Knee problems will keep projected German national team starter Leroy Sané out of tomorrow’s World Cup opener. In addressing the Bayern winger’s absence from Tuesday’s final training session, the DFB confirmed this on Tuesday morning. At present, there is no additional information as to how long the 26-year-old will be out.
The news certainly heralds some tactical reshuffling from Bundestrainer Hansi Flick. Jamal Musiala may potentially take over Sané’s slot on the left wing. Ilkay Gündogan may then move up to the ten-slot, making way for Leon Goretzka alongside Joshua Kimmich at the double-six.
This seems the most likely scenario; particularly in the light of the fact that Goretzka vs. Gündogan constitutes Flick’s biggest personnel quandary. Flick doesn’t have another natural left-winger on his roster, though both Thomas Müller and Karim Adeyemi can play there.
