|
|
Low: Mertesacker will be fit to play for Germany at Euro 2012
The former Werder Bremen defender is expected to be included in the trainer's squad this summer, but Cacau still has plenty to prove if he is to earn a spot
22 Feb 2012 13:25:00
By Clark Whitney
Getty Images
Germany coach Joachim Low has confirmed that centre-back Per Mertesacker remains part of his plans for Euro 2012.
The 27-year-old recently sustained ankle ligament damage, and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger recently stated he expects the defender to be out for the remainder of the club season.
However, on Tuesday the player insisted he would be available for selection for the summer tournament, and now Low has confirmed that Mertesacker is still in the running for a call-up.
"We are in contact," the trainer told Goal.com. But we assume that he will be able to get fit for the Euro."
Low also commented on the status of Stuttgart striker Cacau, who has been included in Low's 22-man squad to face France next Wednesday, claiming the player has deserved his inclusion but is by no means guaranteed selection for the summer tournament.
"Cacau has again earned a chance. "But there remains the possibility that a new player can jump up."
In addition to Cacau, Monchengladbach striker Mike Hanke has been mooted as an option, as has Leverkusen target-man Stefan Kiessling.
Looking forward to Euro 2012, Low's hopes are high for his side, with the coach believing his team should be looking to go all the way.
"Our goal is, of course, to advance to the final," he said.
Germany take on France in a friendly on February 29. Kick-off from Bremen is scheduled for 20.45CET.
The 27-year-old recently sustained ankle ligament damage, and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger recently stated he expects the defender to be out for the remainder of the club season.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
However, on Tuesday the player insisted he would be available for selection for the summer tournament, and now Low has confirmed that Mertesacker is still in the running for a call-up.
"We are in contact," the trainer told Goal.com. But we assume that he will be able to get fit for the Euro."
Low also commented on the status of Stuttgart striker Cacau, who has been included in Low's 22-man squad to face France next Wednesday, claiming the player has deserved his inclusion but is by no means guaranteed selection for the summer tournament.
"Cacau has again earned a chance. "But there remains the possibility that a new player can jump up."
In addition to Cacau, Monchengladbach striker Mike Hanke has been mooted as an option, as has Leverkusen target-man Stefan Kiessling.
Looking forward to Euro 2012, Low's hopes are high for his side, with the coach believing his team should be looking to go all the way.
"Our goal is, of course, to advance to the final," he said.
Germany take on France in a friendly on February 29. Kick-off from Bremen is scheduled for 20.45CET.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
14:20 BST -
Which leads me into some Germany news. Some slight source of worry for Joachim Low's hotly-tipped side is the defence - which it would be, when you lose 5-3 to Switzerland in a pre-tournament match - but Michael Zorc believes that Mats Hummels is the team's best centre-back and should start.
That's the Borussia Dortmund sporting director. Talking about the Dortmund player. I'm onto you, Zorc. I'm onto you.
That's the Borussia Dortmund sporting director. Talking about the Dortmund player. I'm onto you, Zorc. I'm onto you.
Inside Goal.Com
-
Omission of Ferdinand & Richards bites back at Hodgson
The Manchester United man's absence from the Three Lions squad continues to dominate debate after the Chelsea defender is ruled out and Liverpool youngster called up in his place
-
Mock the Weekend: Euro 2012 a push too far for Cahill
The Three Lions can count themselves fortunate not to be clouded by Italy's off-the-field problems, while Eden Hazard fails to live up to his own billing at Wembley
-
Why England are injury-ravaged before a tournament
The absence of Gareth Barry, Frank Lampard and shows just how much club commitments take their toll on the national team as Euro 2012 looms
-
Hodgson’s headaches: How to utilise Oxlade-Chamberlain
The Arsenal starlet has proved himself capable on the big stage and effective in a number of positions for his club, but how much will he be trusted at the Euros?
-
The Premier League targets in Euro 2012 Group A
With the transfer rumour mill set to kick into a frenzy throughout this month's European Championships, Goal.com looks at which players could be heading for England this summer
