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Nations League | League A

Sep 23, 2022 at 7.45pm UK

Germany
0 - 1
Hungary

Kimmich (25'), Rudiger (90')

FT(HT: 0-1)

Szalai (17')
Szalai (41')

Germany duo Manuel Neuer, Leon Goretzka test positive for COVID-19

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter

Published: September 21 2022 | 14:50

Last updated: September 21 2022 | 20:04

Germany duo Neuer, Goretzka test positive for COVID-19

Germany announce that goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and midfielder Leon Goretzka have tested positive for COVID-19 ahead of their Nations League clash with Hungary on Friday.

Germany have announced that goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and midfielder Leon Goretzka have tested positive for coronavirus.

The Bayern Munich pair were called up to Hansi Flick's 24-man squad for two UEFA Nations League fixtures against Hungary and Italy this month.

Both Neuer and Goretzka, who have 147 international caps between them, are now self-isolating away from the rest of the first-team squad and will depart from the team hotel.

A statement from the German FA read: "Leon Goretzka (27) and Manuel Neuer (36) tested positive for the Coronavirus on Wednesday morning.

"Both national players from FC Bayern Munchen were isolated, and will leave the team hotel.

"Due to a positive Coronavirus test within one of the players' private circles, the medical team conducted a rapid antigen test on the whole national team.

Germany's Leon Goretzka during training on September 20, 2022 © Reuters

"All members of the coaching staff and the team are required to test negative before travelling. Confirmed contacts of both players will be tested daily."

Germany have also confirmed that Borussia Dortmund's Julian Brandt has left the squad due to cold-like symptoms, but he has tested negative for COVID-19.

Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann and Wolfsburg midfielder Maximilian Arnold have both been called up as replacements, and any further squad announcements will be made later in the day.

Earlier this week, Borussia Dortmund attacker Marco Reus was forced to withdraw from the national team squad after being stretchered off with an ankle injury in the Bundesliga win over Schalke 04 last weekend.

The 33-year-old, who has been hampered with injuries throughout his career, missed Germany's triumphant 2014 World Cup campaign due to injury and there were initially fears that he could miss the trip to Qatar.

However, Reus is only set to miss the next three to four weeks with ankle ligament damage and he could return to action in the middle of October.

Germany sit second in League A Group 3 of the Nations League after four matches, and they are now preparing for their penultimate group game at home against leaders Hungary on Friday, before facing England at Wembley Stadium in their final fixture three days later.