Fullkrug Puzzle Not Played In Germany's Match Against The Netherlands

Striker Niclas Fullkrug was suddenly dropped from Germany's starting eleven against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League match. He was replaced by Deniz Undav just moments before kick-off in the match at the Johan Cruijff ARENA Stadium, Amsterdam, Wednesday, September 11, 2024 in the morning WIB.

Fullkrug suffered a calf injury before the match. Coach Julian Nagelsmann immediately dropped Fullkrug and did not want to force the West Ham United striker to play. Not only that, the 31-year-old striker was immediately flown to London for treatment and recovery at his club, West Ham.

Fullkrug's position was later replaced by Undav who scored Germany's first goal and equalized the score to 1-1. Previously, Germany fell behind through Tijjani Reijnders' quick goal.

As it turned out, it was not without reason that Nagelsmann pulled Fullkrug and sent him to London without waiting for the German team to finish the match. According to him, although the player's injury was not serious, Nagelsmann did not want to take the risk.

"The injury is not serious. It's just that his injury in the part is quite vulnerable because the area is a transition of tendons under the calf," said Nagelsman.

Nagelsmann, further, said that if the injury worsened, the recovery process would be longer. This is what makes Fullkrug immediately returned to the club for early treatment.

"If something happens to the injured part, then the healing process will take longer. That's why we don't want to take risks," said the former Bayern Munich coach.

"With his current condition, he just needs to rest for a few days. This means he can't play in Premier League games this weekend," he said again.

Fullkrug was the first choice when Germany faced Hungary in the UEFA Nations League match. He was placed as the sole spearhead in the match that Germany won 5-0. Fullkrug himself contributed one goal that opened Die Mannschaft's victory party.

When the former Borussia Dortmund striker missed the match against the Netherlands, Germany failed to win and was only able to draw 2-2.

Fullkrug himself will miss the London Derby when West Ham visits Fulham's headquarters in the Premier League match, Saturday, September 14, 2024 evening WIB.

Even though it was bought at a high price, which was 27 million pounds, Fullkrug has never started. He was more often a substitute during the first three matches of the Hammers.