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Germany’s Rudiger to start against Denmark in last 16

Germany’s Rudiger to start against Denmark in last 16

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Antonio Rudiger is set to start for Germany against Denmark on Saturday night.

Rudiger, 31, had been an injury concern for the round-of-16 having suffered a muscular injury against Switzerland in the final game of the group stage. Rudiger completed the match but had to be helped from the pitch at full time.

Doubts about Rudiger’s availability have lasted since, with Julian Nagelsmann’s side potentially facing a defensive crisis. Jonathan Tah, Nagelsmann’s other starting centre-back, was yellow-carded against the Swiss and will be suspended for the game against the Danes in Dortmund. He is expected to be replaced by Nico Schlotterbeck.

Stuttgart’s Waldemar Anton, who has made just two appearances for the national side, had been on standby to replace Rudiger. Germany had the day off on Monday, but since returning to training the Real Madrid defender had been limited to individual sessions and conditioning work only.

On Friday, however, Rudiger took full part in Germany’s final session in Herzogenaurach before travelling to Dortmund and, barring any reaction, will be fit to start against the Danes and win his 73rd cap on Saturday. A final fitness sign off will happen tonight (June 28).

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