Saying Goodbye to Lena Oberdorf for Euro 2025: Germany's Midfield lacking a Powerhouse
National Coach Wück relinquishes Lena Oberdorf for the European football championship - World Cup: Coach Wück Drops Lena Oberdorf from Squad
Take a seat, football fans, because the news isn't easy to swallow. Lena Oberdorf, the rock-solid midfielder from Bayern Munich, will miss out on this summer's UEFA European Football Championship due to a gruesome knee injury. Coach Christian Wück confirmed the heartbreaking news, leaving Bayern Munich and German football stans pining for Oberdorf's return.
The devastating injury had Oberdorf on the bench for close to a year, forcing her to sit out even the Nations League games against Austria and the Netherlands. "She's moving steadily forward, but the Euro is coming too soon for her," Coach Wück shared in a DFB statement, a day after Germany's jaw-dropping 6-0 win against Austria[1]. With Oberdorf still waiting for her debut with Bayern, the team is eagerly awaiting her return to regain her rightful place in the squad.
A Tough Loss for the German Squad
The 23-year-old was a vital member of the team before her injury, playing an integral role in Germany's World Cup campaign in France in 2019, becoming the youngest German player ever at only 17 years, 5 months, and 20 days[6]. However, the decision to bench her for the Euro 2025 was made after an "intensive evaluation of the training impressions of the past days"[1]. Skeptical from the start, Bayern Munich also received the unfortunate news, leaving the club in search of a dynamic midfield powerhouse.
"We're thrilled to have Obi back with us, not just as a player, but also as a personality. She's a precious asset to our team, both on and off the pitch," Wück expressed, acknowledging Oberdorf's impact on the team[1]. As of yet, Oberdorf herself has yet to comment on the matter.
Time to Regroup, Germany
As discussions swirled about Oberdorf's return, Wück wasn't ready to overshadow the squad announcement at Europapark Rust. He informed his national players, sending them off to enjoy their vacations while keeping them in the loop about their Euro status. Everyone knows if they're part of the 23-player squad for the season highlight[2]. The whole squad will meet for Euro preparation in Herzogenaurach on June 19. "It's not just about Obi, it's about the team," Wück emphasized[2].
Filling Oberdorf's Shoes
With Oberdorf's absence, Elisa Senß takes the mantle in defensive midfield, although at a different style than Oberdorf[3]. Sjoeke Nüsken from FC Chelsea and the impressive Sydney Lohmann (Bayern Munich) can also slide into the control center[3]. While the team attempts to fill Oberdorf's shoes, fans can't help but wonder about her planned comeback.
Is it possible that Oberdorf will recover in time for the World Cup in Brazil in 2027? Only time will tell if the team can keep their spirits up and fill Oberdorf's void until she can rejoin the football scene. Here's to hoping for a speedy recovery, Lena!
[1] DFC Statement on Lena Oberdorf[2] Wück Informs Players and Sends Them off on Vacation[3] Elisa Senß to Replace Oberdorf[4] Interview with Coach Christian Wück[5] Oberdorf Misses Nature League Matches[6] Lena Oberdorf's Achievements
Lena Oberdorf Christian Wück Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear National Coach UEFA European Football Championship Switzerland
Despite the hope for a speedy recovery, Lena Oberdorf will not be able to join the German squad for the UEFA European Football Championship due to the impact of an anterior cruciate ligament tear. Bayern Munich, along with German football stans, are now searching for a dynamic midfield powerhouse to replace Oberdorf's crucial role, as Elisa Senß takes the mantle in defensive midfield in her absence.
