Training and transfer: Flick has to reschedule for the Belgium duel | free press

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Kai Havertz and Nico Schlotterbeck are out for the national team’s Belgium test. This requires the national soccer coach Hansi Flick to rethink the staff.

Hansi Flick has to be flexible now. After the failure of the professionals Kai Havertz and Nico Schlotterbeck, who were scheduled for the Belgium endurance test of the national soccer team, the national coach has to rebuild his scaffolding.

Actually, Flick had relied on personnel continuity for the game against the Red Devils, who had started well with a 3-0 in Sweden in the European Championship qualification, and wanted to continue the positive impression of the start of the year of the DFB-Elf in the 2-0 against Peru with little rotation.

But now two important positions are suddenly free for the starting formation on Tuesday (8.45 p.m. / RTL) in Cologne. Flick will review his options again on Monday in the final training session at 11 a.m. on the DFB campus in Frankfurt/Main.

Two hours later, the DFB head coach and defender Thilo Kehrer are available for information at the obligatory press conference. It remains to be seen whether Flick will make his thoughts public before the planned transfer to Cologne by team bus instead of train due to the train warning strike.

The consequences of the Schlotterbeck failure:

Dortmund defender Schlotterbeck (23) had to come down against Peru with a bandaged left thigh shortly before the end. There were already indications that things could get tight for the Belgium game. The diagnosis of muscular problems still leaves room for BVB to play in the top Bundesliga game on Saturday at FC Bayern Munich. The departure from the DFB team hotel was probably also a precautionary measure, it was heard.

Kehrer (26) came on for Schlotterbeck against Peru. The West Ham defender should also be the first choice against Belgium for the vacant place alongside Matthias Ginter in central defence. Flick did without the regulars Antonio Rüdiger and Niklas Süle this time. Armel Bella Kotchap had to withdraw at short notice due to a shoulder injury.

The only currently remaining squad alternative is the young Malick Thiaw (21). The Milan professional convinced Flick during the training week. A starting eleven including a duel with Belgium’s Romelo Lukako, whom he knows from Serie A, might still be risky.

The consequences of the Havertz failure:

Flick had finally found the right position for Havertz. Against Peru, the Chelsea player convinced as a free spirit behind the duo of Niclas Füllkrug and Timo Werner. Even if the penalty hit the post. The 23-year-old was previously involved in both goals. Now a flu infection intervened for Havertz. Flick has various offensive options despite not having Thomas Müller and Leroy Sané.

Serge Gnabry and Mario Götze would be forward-looking alternatives. The national coach could also prefer the dynamics of Leon Goretzka against the strong Belgians. It would be the 50th international match for Munich. Then Emre Can would probably be able to bring in his great physicality again in the sixth position next to Joshua Kimmich. (dpa)

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