Gotze in for World Cup, Reus out

Borussia Dortmund captain Marco Reus bas been omitted by head coach Hansi Flick from Germany’s squad for the World Cup, while 2014 World Cup hero Mario Goetze makes a shock return.

“We’re looking forward to seeing him,” Flick said of 30-year-old Goetze, who last played for Germany five years ago.

“We have a very good squad we can take with us” Flick said on Thursday in Frankfurt. Flick also selected uncapped duo Werder Bremen striker Niklas Fuellkrug and 17-year-old Dortmund forward Youssoufa Moukoko.

While Moukoko has represented his country at the junior level, this is the first time Fuellkrug, 29, will don a German shirt.

“He is someone who is constantly trying to improve,” Flick said of Fuellkrug. “He gives the team the confidence that anything is possible”.

Alongside Reus, there were several high-profile absences in the squad, including Reus’ Dortmund teammate Mats Hummels and Inter Milan wing-back Robin Gosens.

Former Chelsea striker Timo Werner was ruled out in early November due to a leg injury.