World Cup

Ilkay Gundogan, Julian Draxler return to Hansi Flick's Germany squad

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 05 November 2021

Gundogan, Draxler return to Flick's Germany squad

Germany manager Hansi Flick has included Ilkay Gundogan and Julian Draxler in his 27-man squad ahead of November's World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Romania.

Germany head coach Hansi Flick has named a 27-man squad ahead of November's final two World Cup qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Romania.

Die Mannschaft became the first European nation to qualify for the 2022 tournament in Qatar, after cruising to a 4-0 victory again North Macedonia last month.

Flick has handed Wolfsburg striker Lukas Nmecha his first senior call-up, while five other players have returned to the national team set-up after missing out in October.

Hansi Flick's squad for our upcoming @FIFAWorldCup qualifiers 🇩🇪📋#DieMannschaft #GERLIE #ARMGER pic.twitter.com/lHORmKs6M8
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) November 5, 2021

Eintracht Frankfurt goalkeeper Kevin Trapp has returned to the German squad after being dropped last month, and he will be competing with Manuel Neuer, Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Bernd Leno for the number one jersey.

Freiburg left-back Christian Gunter has received his first international call up since featuring in the 7-1 Friendly victory against Latvia in June. As Germany have already qualified as Group J winners, the 28-year-old will be hoping he can receive some minutes in the first team ahead of Robin Gosens and David Raum.

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has also returned to the squad after missing out with a thigh injury in October, while Julian Brandt and Julian Draxler are two attacking midfielders who have been selected, joining the likes of Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane, and Jamal Musiala.

Chelsea forward Timo Werner is the only German player who has dropped out of the squad, as the 25-year-old continues to recover from a thigh injury. Blues teammate Kai Havertz, Karim Adeyemi and Nmecha will all be options to start in a central striking role for Flick this month.

Die Mannschaft are set to meet up on Monday in Wolfsburg ahead of their first match against Liechtenstein on November 11, before travelling to Yerevan for their encounter with Armenia three days later.