World Cup: Antonio Rüdiger set for Germany recall as the 'bad boy' returns | OneFootball

Antonio Rüdiger should return to Germany’s starting defence at the World Cup after Nico Schlotterbeck’s injury ended the Borussia Dortmund defender’s tournament. According to L'Équipe, the Real Madrid centre-back had slipped to third choice but now has a route back.

Julian Nagelsmann has not shied from bold calls, asking Joshua Kimmich to fill at right-back despite the captain’s reluctance. Schlotterbeck’s absence also leaves Germany without a left-footed centre-back in the squad.

Schlotterbeck had formed an assured partnership with Jonathan Tah. Rüdiger, Berlin-born, is the natural stand-in yet he has endured a turbulent season and has not started for the national team for 10 months, since a 0-2 loss to Slovakia in the opening World Cup qualifier.

In that qualifier he was involved in both goals conceded, then injuries and niggles saw him drop out of starting line-ups. His ‘bad boy’ image persists at home and a knee to a Getafe opponent’s face in March even prompted calls for him to be left out.

Nagelsmann resisted, valuing Rüdiger’s athletic edge and the fear he can instil. Despite 84 caps, his international story is chequered, with a debut in May 2014 followed by missing the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016 through injury.

He featured at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, both ending in group-stage exits unprecedented for Germany. Now 33, he hopes for a brighter tournament, likely his last, and Schlotterbeck’s loss hands him a chance to return to prominence.

Source: L'Équipe