Chelsea forward Kai Havertz withdraws from Germany squad due to illness
Due to illness, Chelsea forward has withdrawn from the Germany team.
Die Mannschaft cruised to a 2-0 victory over Peru in an international friendly on Saturday, before facing Belgium in a Euro 2024 qualifier on Tuesday.
Havertz will not participate in that game because he will be returning to London on Sunday due to illness. He is the second Chelsea player to return from international action this weekend, following Reece James.
‘Reece has gone back because he’s not entirely happy with how his leg feels,’ England manager Gareth Southgate explained. ‘Earlier in the week, he was a little worried about that.’
Chelsea issued a brief statement explaining James’ withdrawal was due to ‘an ongoing problem.’
Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling were also ruled out of England’s games against Italy and Ukraine due to injury, while Wesley Fofana lost out on his France debut due to a knock suffered in Chelsea’s final game before the international break against Everton.
The right-back has been plagued by knee problems all season, missing the World Cup as a consequence, and has recently suffered a hamstring injury.
Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic scored and assisted twice as the United States defeated Grenada 7-1.
In a thrilling 20-minute cameo for England Under-21s against France on Saturday, Noni Madueke also tallied and assisted two goals.
‘When he came on, I thought he was outstanding,’ England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley said. ‘It was really satisfying to see him get that goal and two helpers.
‘I believe his manner of play will be ideal for the Premier League. He’s exciting, fast, direct, and very versatile, but keep in mind that he’s still immature.
‘He will need time, match minutes, and time to improve on his game, but he has a lot of potential.
‘Like many of the younger stars, he just needs a chance. They need chances to showcase their talent, and with a few more games, he’ll be fine.’
Chelsea will play Aston Villa at home on April 1 before hosting Liverpool three days later at Stamford Bridge.
