The experienced defender won’t play in the Qatar World Cup despite his convincing form.
Hansi Flick has said the decision to omit Mats Hummels from Germany’s World Cup squad was taken with a “view to the future”.
The Borussia Dortmund star hasn’t played for the national team since 2021. However, his form at the club level had generated speculations about his possible return to Germany’s backline.
Antony Rudiger and Niklas Sule are both enjoying fine form at the moment and will most likely form Germany’s centre-back duo.
Flick has also chosen Hummels’ younger teammate, Nico Schlotterbeck, as a backup option for the role.
“We thought about how to put together the squad. We watched a lot of his games, he has excellent form, is in top shape and has given Dortmund a lot,” Flick explained.
“With a view to the future, we have opted for a younger player in the coaching team, it’s nothing against Mats. Mats can be good for any team.”
Another young star in Germany’s World Cup squad is Niclas Fullkrug, who is yet to make his international debut. But Flick says he’s been watching the Werder Bremen forward for years.
“The first time I noticed Füllkrug was in 2016, when it came to nominating players for the Olympics. I’ve seen him a few times,” he added.
“He is very confident on the ball, has a good finish and his headers are also an element that is good for us. How far a player appears in our considerations for a game is up to the players themselves.”
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