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The international break has only just begun, but it’s already claimed its first injury victim.
As confirmed by the offical Die Mannschaft Twitter account, Chelsea center back Antonio Rudiger has pulled out of the Germany squad for the Nations League matches against the Netherlands and France with an unspecified injury. Rudiger himself then revealed that it is a groin issue.
Kai #Havertz and @ToniRuediger have pulled out of the Germany squad due to injury ❌@emrecan_ has been called up as a result #DieMannschaft pic.twitter.com/gP2QdO6gvN
— Germany (@DFB_Team_EN) October 8, 2018
The move appears to be largely precautionary.
Rudiger has been dealing with a groin injury for the past three weeks, since the 0-0 draw against West Ham United. He was substituted for Gary Cahill with about 20 minutes left in the game, then missed Chelsea’s trip to Anfield in the League Cup. Rudi soldiered through both the next two matchdays, against Liverpool and Southampton, but appeared to land or twist awkwardly at the end of Sunday’s contest, and that probably didn’t help his condition.
I won't be available for the @dfb_team for the upcoming 2 matches due to a groin problem. I will do some individual training sessions during the int. break and I'm confident to be back soon Best of luck to my German teammates for the next 2 games #Hustle #AlwaysBelieve
— Antonio Rüdiger (@ToniRuediger) October 8, 2018
Two weeks to rest and recover is perhaps exactly what the doctor ordered. We’re going to need him, with Manchester United coming to town in two weeks!