Serge Gnabry has left the German national team early and will therefore not be available for the final Nations League match against Greece on Sunday evening. However, the decision is not due to a new injury.
The 31-year-old had only returned to the field a few weeks ago after a lengthy injury layoff and is still being gradually brought back to full training load. As a result, Gnabry has only seen limited playing time during the current international break.
In the 2-0 win over Serbia, the Bayern Munich player was last in the starting lineup and led the DFB squad onto the field as captain for the first time. After 45 minutes, his day was already over. Jürgen Klopp has now made it clear that the early substitution was related to managing his workload.
Klopp explains Gnabry’s early departure
“He wasn’t injured at halftime, but he was already feeling the strain,” the national team coach explained at the press conference ahead of the match against Greece.
From the DFB officials’ perspective, it therefore made no sense to have Gnabry continue training with the national team for the remaining days. Instead, the forward returned to Munich early and can continue his preparation there for upcoming matches with FC Bayern.
Klopp nevertheless expressed satisfaction with Gnabry’s performances during the international break. “It’s about getting back into the rhythm. He did well, but of course he still needs time.”
For Gnabry, following his long break, the focus right now is less on maximizing playing time and more on a controlled return to form. That’s precisely why his workload with the DFB was deliberately managed.
Gnabry can focus on Bayern
For FC Bayern, his early return should come at just the right time. After the international break, Vincent Kompany’s team faces a tightly packed schedule. They’ll kick things off against FC Augsburg, followed by additional matches every three days.
Given the heavy workload, Kompany will inevitably have to rotate his lineup. This offers Gnabry numerous opportunities to gradually build up his playing time and find his rhythm.
Despite his early departure, the Bayern star is likely to look back fondly on his recent days with the DFB. Against Serbia, Gnabry led the German national team onto the field as captain for the first time.
“A day I’m very proud of,” the forward said afterward. Now his focus is once again fully on FC Bayern. The most important news for Bayern is that Gnabry isn’t injured—he simply returned to Munich early as part of a load management plan.