HERZOGENAURACH, Germany (AP) — Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has called up Borussia Dortmund midfielder Emre Can to replace Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlović, who will miss the European Championship because of illness.
The German soccer federation said Wednesday that Pavlović, a young midfielder who made his international debut in last week’s 0-0 draw with Ukraine, was unable to join the squad for the 2-1 win over Greece — Germany’s final warmup for Euro 2024.
Can, who has played 43 games for Germany, will be expected to provide backup for Toni Kroos, Robert Andrich and Pascal Gross.
“He immediately expressed his enthusiasm and willingness to join the team. We wanted another player in the squad who has played a lot of games and who knows how to handle the pressure. He can fulfill the profile we need,” Nagelsmann said of Can.
Can hasn’t played under Nagelsmann before. The 30-year-old last played for Germany in the 2-1 win over France under interim coach Rudi Völler in September. Völler had taken over for one game after Hansi Flick was fired. Nagelsmann was appointed Germany coach on Sept. 22.
Germany opens Euro 2024 on Friday against Scotland in Munich.
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