Sayonara, Lena Oberdorf: Germany's Women's Football Team Bids Adieu to Bayern Munich Star
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National team coach W decides to exclude Lena Oberdorf from the roster for the European Football Championship in Germany - World Cup Coach Wück has released Lena Oberdorf from the tournament squad.
With Bayern Munich's star Lena Oberdorf sitting out the UEFA European Football Championship, the German women's football team is set to march into the tournament without her. Head coach Christian Wück put an end to the rumors surrounding the world-class player who's been battling a cruciate ligament tear for nearly a year, with no game time since.
"She's improving steadily, but the Euro arrives way too soon for her. We want to give her ample time to recuperate fully and we're keen to see her shine again in the new season," Wück stated in a DFB announcement, a day following Germany's selection's victorious 6-0 match against Austria in Vienna.
Oberdorf, 23, had been part of the squad for the Nations League matches against Austria and Netherlands, but as we knew, her presence remained on the bench.
Oberdorf Axed from Euro 2025 in Switzerland
The final decision was made prior to the tournament, set from July 2 to 27 in Switzerland. Post a thorough evaluation of Oberdorf's recent training performances, the association announced her omission, and Bayern Munich, known to be initially dubious about her Euro participation, was informed accordingly. Since her transfer from VfL Wolfsburg to Munich a year ago, Oberdorf had been eagerly waiting for her debut with the Bayern.
"We're thrilled to welcome Ol' Obi back in the team, not merely as a player, but also as a remarkable individual. She's an asset to us all, both on and off the pitch," Wück added, commenting on Oberdorf's withdrawal from Euro. Oberdorf herself hasn't spoken out about the matter yet.
Players Informed Ahead of Announcement
Following weeks of hearsay about Oberdorf's potential comeback, Wück steered clear of making the topic the centerpiece of the squad announcement held at Europapark Rust. Moreover, the DFB head coach took his national players for a vacation while conveying their respective roles in the 23-player squad destined for the season's highlight. Everyone would reunite for Euro preparation in Herzogenaurach on June 19. "It's not just about Obi, it's about the team," Wück had previously explained. Oberdorf, though, continues to showcase improvements in her form day by day. "We still notice some lingering signs in certain situations, both physically and mentally," Wück added.
Elisa Senß to Step Up in Oberdorf's Absence
In the defensive midfield position that Oberdorf usually occupies, Frankfurt's Elisa Senß has been the frontrunner. Despite her being a different kind of player than the powerful Munich star, Sjoeke Nüsken from FC Chelsea and strong Sydney Lohmann (Bayern Munich) offer versatile options for the control center.
In a similar situation, the decision was made in 2023 to exclude Giulia Gwinn from the World Cup squad following her second cruciate ligament injury. Yet, Gwinn had already recovered by then.
By now 23, Oberdorf boasts 51 international appearances. In 2019, she became the youngest German player at the Women's World Cup in France, aged 17 years, 5 months, and 20 days. At the Euro 2022 in England, she had cemented her spot in the team by then.
Oberdorf sustained her cruciate ligament injury in the Euro qualification against Austria on July 16 in Bochum. After the Olympic elimination and the missed Euro participation, Oberdorf can only anticipate another major tournament, the 2027 World Cup set to take place in Brazil.
Lena Oberdorf, Christian Wück, Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tear, National Team Coach, UEFA European Football Championship, Switzerland
- Lena Oberdorf, who has been battling a cruciate ligament tear for nearly a year, will not be able to participate in the UEFA European Football Championship.
- Despite her eagerness to make her debut with Bayern Munich, Oberdorf has been omitted from the German women's football team for the tournament, scheduled to take place in Switzerland.
