Stegen, Ginter return to Germany squad, Hummels rests knee

Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Matthias Ginter have returned to the Germany squad for October's World Cup qualifiers against Romania and North Macedonia.

The Barcelona goalkeeper was injured, and the Borussia Moenchengladbach defender had coronavirus for new coach Hansi Flick's first three games in charge in September, with Germany winning every game. Kevin Trapp and Ridle Baku make way.

Borussia Dortmund defender Mats Hummels misses out on a place in the 23-man squad, as do Atalanta wing-back Robin Gosens, Ilkay Guendogan und Mahmoud Dahoud due to injury.

Hummels, 32, has a minor knee problem and Flick told dpa on Friday that the veteran was not being discarded, as he was for two years by previous coach Joachim Loew.

"We all know what kind of quality Mats has when he is at 100 per cent and top fit. He's focusing on himself right now and using the time to train," Flick said.

"I've known Mats for a very long time. I know what he can give to a team. When he's in top shape, he's an asset to any team.

"We were very happy with our previous squad and have therefore made limited changes."

The coach reserved special praise for centre-back Niklas Suele, who won two Bundesliga titles and a Champions League with Flick at Bayern.

There have been question marks about Suele's weight and fitness but the 26-year-old has even been operating at right-back for Bayern, such is his current mobility.

"I spoke to Niklas on the phone relatively early in the break after the European Championship. He's now playing the way he told me back then he wanted to. He has set himself big goals - and that's exactly how he's acting right now. I like that," Flick said.

"It's important that as an international you constantly make the most of the opportunities. He's on a good path now. I'm pleased that he has made progress."

Germany, who top Group J, face Romania in Hamburg on October 8 and then travel to Skopje to face North Macedonia on October 11. The Germans lost 2-1 at home to the North Macedonians in March under Loew.