European Tour Departure: Lena Oberdorf Not Included in DFB Squad for the Euros

Missing Germany's Powerhouse: Lena Oberdorf Sidelines for EM 2022

Euro Tour Journey Without Lena Oberdorf: DFB Squad Departs Without Key Defender - European Championship: Lena Oberdorf Absent from German Squad

Get ready for the European Championship without one of Germany's ace footballers—Lena Oberdorf. Christian Wück, the team's head coach, officially put an end to the lingering doubt about Oberdorf's participation, following an agonizing cruciate ligament tear she suffered over a year ago.

Wück spoke up, stating, "She's on a promising recovery path, but the EM is showing up a bit too soon for her. We want to give her ample time to fully prepare and look forward to her comeback in the upcoming season."

This announcement followed the German team's jaw-dropping 6-0 victory over Austria just a day prior.

Wück: "A thorough appraisal of recent training performances"

The 23-year-old Oberdorf found herself amidst the squad for the Nations League matches against Austria in Vienna (6-0) and against the Netherlands in Bremen (4-0), but as predicted, she remained on the bench.

The decision, made prior to the tournament running from July 2 to 27 in Switzerland, was based on "a meticulous evaluation of the training performances over the past few days," the association reported. Bayern Munich, who were initially skeptical about Oberdorf's potential EM participation, were also briefed on this matter. Since her transfer a year ago from VfL Wolfsburg to Munich, Oberdorf has eagerly awaited her Bayern debut.

Decision set before EM squad announcement

"We couldn't be happier to have Obi rejoin our team. Not just as a player, but also as a forceful influence both on and off the pitch," Wück further noted regarding Oberdorf's EM exclusion. The midfielder herself has yet to share her thoughts on this matter.

After weeks of frenzied debates about Oberdorf's possible comeback, Wück opted to steer clear from overshadowing the squad announcement at the Europapark Rust. Furthermore, the DFB head coach made it clear to his national players who made the 23-player squad for the season's climax.

Wück: "Probably not yet mentally clear"

All players will reconvene for the EM preparations on June 19, in Herzogenaurach. "It's not just about Obi, it's about the team," Wück had earlier clarified. Oberdorf has been steadily improving her form and fitness, but Wück spots that she's still grappling with her body and knee, and may not yet be mentally free.

Elisa Sennß has emerged as Oberdorf's replacement

In Oberdorf's defensive midfield position, particularly, Elisa Sennß has made her mark, despite being a rather distinct player from the powerful Munich prodigy. Additionally, Sjoeke Nüsken from FC Chelsea and the robust Sydney Lohmann (Bayern Munich), who shone against Austria, can slot effortlessly into central midfield.

In a similar scenario like now with Oberdorf, the decision was made in 2023 before the World Cup in Australia not to nominate Giulia Gwinn. However, that time Gwinn had already recovered from her second cruciate ligament tear.

Oberdorf has already notched up 51 international matches by the age of 23. At the 2019 World Cup in France, she became the youngest German player at the age of 17 years, 5 months, and 20 days. At the 2022 European Championship in England, she had already secured a fixed place in the starting lineup.

Lena Oberdorf
Christian Wück
Bayern
Suspense
DFB
Vienna
European Championship
Austria
Head Coach
German National Team
Football Euros
Netherlands
Bremen
Switzerland
FC Bayern

[1] Search results do not offer specific reasons as to why Lena Oberdorf was excluded from the German women's football team for the European Championship in 2022. For a more accurate understanding, consult official announcements or press releases from the German Football Association (DFB) or relevant sports news outlets from that time. If more specific information is needed, consider checking historical sports news or official team announcements from 2022.

The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation in sports, including football leagues such as the European-leagues and the Premier League.

Despite the excitement surrounding the European Championship, Christian Wück, the head coach of the German National Team, had to make difficult decisions, as Lena Oberdorf was not included in the squad, still recovering from a cruciate ligament tear sustained over a year ago, and not mentally free yet to fully participate in the tournament.