Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen won't return into the German national team for World Cup qualifying this year, and he will only remain first choice if he also gets regular playing time at club level, coach Julian Nagelsmann has said, reported dpa.
Barcelona's Ter Stegen, 33, underwent back surgery in July and is sidelined for several months.
World Cup qualifying runs until mid-November, and Nagelsmann said after Sunday's 3-1 victory against Northern Ireland that "I don't expect a return this year."
Nagelsmann made ter Stegen his first choice keeper after last year's international retirement of Manuel Neuer.
Oliver Baumann and Alexander Nübel shared goalkeeper duties when Neuer missed Nations League matches with another injury, and Baumann is now first choice for the World Cup qualifiers.
But Nagelsmann also reiterated that ter Stegen "is the number one if he plays" on a regular basis at club level. He said the goalkeeper position was "very delicate" and that "you need a rhythm" to do well.
Barca have made newly-signed Joan Garcia first choice between the posts which could complicates matters for ter Stegen in the national team where he wants to be number one at next year's World Cup, provided Germany qualify.
Nagelsmann said that ter Stegen's rehabilitation programme is going "well, and I believe he can start again a little earlier than originally expected.
"We have also seen in the last two games that Olli is a good goalkeeper, so there is no need for panic. Marc can take the time he needs," Nagelsmann said.
- Ter Stegen
- Miss
- WC qualifiers
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
