Sky Germany reports that Mainz striker Jonathan Burkardt is to replace Arsenal’s Kai Havertz in the Germany squad for the October international break.
Havertz will miss the break due to knee problems and there is no indication of how severe the injury is at the moment. The forward played the full 90 minutes for Arsenal as they beat Southampton on Saturday.
After injuries of his own, Burkardt has received a call-up to the senior side. The 24-year-old has five goals in seven games for Mainz after missing large chunks of the previous seasons with injuries. Burkardt will fight with Denis Undav as well as fellow debutants to the squad Jamie Leweling and Tim Kleindiensy for game time.
This is the second withdrawal for Germany ahead of the international break as Jamal Musiala withdrew earlier this week as he receives treatment for a hip injury he has been struggling with.
Germany will play Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo next Friday, and three days later, the Netherlands will play in Munich.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
