German defender Antonio Rüdiger left the field in pain after his team's 1-1 draw with Switzerland yesterday, Sunday, during the final round of Group A in the "Euro 2024" group stage. The injury could potentially keep Rüdiger from continuing with the German national team in the tournament, following their advancement to the Round of 16 after topping the group with 7 points. Rüdiger celebrated the equalizer for Germany, scored by his teammate Niclas Füllkrug in stoppage time of the second half, but fell to the ground after the final whistle.
Julian Nagelsmann, Germany's coach, said to the "Magenta TV" network after the match: "Antonio is experiencing problems with his thigh. I hope it's not serious." More details about the injury to the Real Madrid defender have not been revealed at this time.
Rüdiger's potential absence from the German team's Round of 16 match next Saturday would be a significant blow for the team, especially after it was confirmed that his teammate defender Jonathan Tah would be suspended due to a yellow card received against Switzerland. Nagelsmann emphasized: "We brought in Nico (Schlotterbeck) early, and Waldy (Waldemar Anton) is also ready. We have enough competent players to lead the defense."
Nagelsmann did not make any changes to the starting lineup that Germany fielded in their three group stage matches, but he will be forced to make at least one change for the Round of 16 match in Dortmund, where the team will face the runner-up from Group C, which includes England, Denmark, Slovenia, and Serbia.
