Germany midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic has been ruled out of Euro 2024 after coming down with tonsillitis.
The Bayern Munich star will be replaced in Julian Nagelsmann’s squad by Borussia Dortmund’s Emre Can, who was dropped in October last year but played a key part in the club’s run to the Champions League final.
Pavlovic has enjoyed a breakout season for Bayern but there was still surprise when he was called up ahead of team-mate Leon Goretzka for the Euros.
The 20-year-old was part of Germany’s pre-tournament training camps and made his debut off the bench in this month’s 0-0 friendly draw with Ukraine but then came down with the infection.
With teams only allowed to replace injured outfield players up until the opening game of the tournament, Germany have decided to act now in dropping the youngster and drafting in the experienced Can.
“We want another No6 in the squad and have therefore decided to nominate Emre Can,” Nagelsmann said.
“He immediately expressed his enthusiasm and willingness to join the team. We wanted to have another player in the squad who has played a lot of games and who knows how to deal with the pressure. He can well meet the profile that we need now."
The hosts will open the tournament against Scotland in Munich on Friday night, having inspired fresh hope of a home triumph with showpiece friendly victories over France and the Netherlands in March.
