Wirtz explains absence from Germany's World Cup squad
Florian Wirtz made the decision not to travel to the World Cup in Qatar in close communication with Germany coach Hansi Flick.
Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has explained why he wasn't included in Germany's World Cup squad.
The 19-year-old hasn't played for Leverkusen since he suffered a cruciate ligament rupture back in March.
Although he has made his return to team training, the World Cup simply came too soon for him.
"I was in constant communication with the national team coach. We have a trusting relationship. It would not have made sense to take an unnecessary risk," Wirtz explained to Sport Bild.
The youngster added that he only wanted to travel to the tournament in Qatar if he had been at "full strength and 100 percent healthy".
"That would not have been the case now," he stated.
Wirtz has made four appearances for Germany.