Thiaw joins Gosens in taking parental leave from German national team
The German FA confirmed that the latest incarnation Julian Nagelsmann's German national team squad would lose its second nominated member on Sunday.
After it was confirmed on Friday that 1. FC Union Berlin defender Robin Gosens would not join up with the German national team during the coming international break, the DFB announced on Sunday that another defender would be absent for the same reasons. Like Gosens, AC Milan defender Malick Thiaw is about to become a father. Gosens is expecting his second child whilst Thiaw will be welcoming his first.
David Raum was quickly confirmed as Gosens' replacement. The German FA made clear that there are no plans to call up an additional defender to replace Thiaw. The former Schalke academy man only made a 30-minute-long substitute appearance for Bundestrainer Nagelsmann during the 2-2 draw against Mexico in October.
In addition to the two players taking parental leave, there was some concern that Bayern midfielder Leon Goretzka and Dortmund defender Mats Hummels might not be able to report to Nagelsmann's camp due to injury concerns. On Sunday, the DFB nevertheless announced that both professionals would travel to camp on-time and partake in the international break.