Germany boss Joachim Low has admitted the door could be open for Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels to make a dramatic return from international exile before the European Championships.
Die Mannschaft were embarrassingly knocked out of the Russia 2018 World Cup at the group stage, finishing bottom of Group F behind Sweden, Mexico and South Korea.
Low announced in March 2019 that then-Bayern Munich trio Muller (31), Hummels (32) and Jerome Boateng (32) would not be part of his future plans – with none of them adding to their 100, 70 and 76 caps respectively since then.
Thomas Muller (left) and Mats Hummels (right) could be in line for a shock Germany recall
Germany boss Joachim Low admitted he is considering ending the duo’s international exile
But with Germany struggling for form after a 6-0 thrashing against Spain in November, Low admitted he could recall the experienced pair in time for Euro 2020, currently set to take place in summer 2021.
He told Kicker: ‘Special circumstances can justify an interruption in the upheaval.
‘That (the future of the trio) will be a difficult and important question, also for me.
Jerome Boateng (17), Muller and Hummels have not played since their terrible 2018 World Cup
‘The character of Thomas Müller and Mats Hummels is that they don’t oppress others.’
Low, who also admitted to ARD that the players would be ‘quickly integrated’ without a problem, also conceded the topic of their international recalls was ‘rightly’ being discussed a lot.
However, he neglected to specifically mention Boateng, hinting the former Manchester City centre half would not be one to return from the international wilderness.
Toni Kroos (8), who played in the 6-0 loss against Spain, questioned their omissions last month
Real Madrid midfielder and 101-cap Toni Kroos questioned their omissions last month, insinuating his manager’s plan hadn’t worked out how he’d hoped.
Bayern wonderkid Jamal Musiala, 18, has just announced his decision to play for Germany rather than England, but Low has clearly considered adding more experience to his ranks.
The Germany boss has been under increasing pressure, with Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp linked as a replacement, potentially also colouring his potential U-turn.
Low could be followed by Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, with Gerrard a potential Reds replacement
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