2018 FIFA WC: Germany announces provisional squad for Russia with some surprises


XtraTime Web Desk: Germany coach Joachim Low announces his provisional squad for Russia and the announcement was full of surprises.

World Cup-winning goalscorer Mario Gotze has been left out of Germany’s squad for June’s tournament in Russia.

The Borussia Dortmund striker scored in extra time against Argentina in 2014 to seal Germany’s fourth World Cup.

Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has been named in the squad, despite being out of action since breaking his foot in September.

It has also been announced that manager Joachim Low has extended his contract until 2022.

Goalkeepers: Bernd Leno (Bayer Leverkusen), Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona), Kevin Trapp (Paris St-Germain)

Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Matthias Ginter (Borussia Monchengladbach), Jonas Hector (Cologne), Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Marvin Plattenhardt (Hertha Berlin), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Niklas Sule (Bayern Munich), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)

Midfielders: Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Draxler (Paris St-Germain), Leon Goretska (Schalke), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Sebastian Rudy (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Manchester City)

Strikers: Mario Gomez (Stuttgart), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Nils Petersen (SC Freiburg), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund), Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)