Schalke 04 winger Gerald Asamoah has become the fifth player to pull out of the Germany squad to face Argentina in the World Cup warm-up on April 17. Sebastian Deisler, Mehmet Scholl, Alexander Zickler and Marko Rehmer have already withdrawn.
Voller was hoping to field his strongest XI against the South Americans after putting out a weakened side in the 4-2 win over the USA at the end of March.
But it is clear now that he will have to find alternatives once more to the players he expects to be in his team for the World Cup opener against Saudi Arabia on June 1.
Asamoah had to be substituted 23 minutes into Saturday’s 2-0 win over Hamburg and was replaced by Sven Vermant.
The first African-born player to represent Germany appeared to have torn a thigh muscle and could miss the last four games of the Bundesliga, thus jeopardising his participation in the World Cup.
Schalke team-mate Ebbe Sand admitted that the injury was a blow to his side’s chances of qualifying for the Champions’ League.
« It will hurt us a lot but we have a strong squad and will have no choice than to make up for this loss. I am confident that Sven Vermant can fill in, » the Denmark ace said.
Voller will announce his squad to face Argentina on Monday. The Germans face Saudi Arabia, Cameroon and the Republic of Ireland in World Cup Group E.
