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Germany postponed the announcement of its World Cup squad by nine days to take into account the final day of the Bundesliga and give injured players more time to show their fitness.
German coach Julian Nagelsmann was due to name his team on May 12 in Frankfurt, but the date was postponed on Tuesday to May 21.
The team gathering was also delayed by two days, to May 27.
The final round of the Bundesliga will take place on May 16, while the German Cup final between Bayern Munich and Stuttgart – which will likely feature numerous German call-ups – will take place on May 23.
Preparations for the World Cup were due to begin on May 25 in the Bavarian resort of Herzogenaurach, but Nagelsmann probably wants to give his Bayern and Stuttgart players a longer rest beforehand.
If Bayern reach the Champions League final on May 30, the team’s German players will only join their international colleagues afterwards.
Germany will play World Cup preparations against Finland in Mainz on May 31, then against the United States in Chicago on June 6.
Four-time champions Germany face Ivory Coast, Ecuador and newcomer Curacao in World Cup Group E.
Bayern striker Serge Gnabry has been ruled out of the tournament, while young Bayern teammate Lennart Karl faces a race to be fit.
Associated Press reporting.
