What the Germany team showed last night against Serbia was totally dismal minding that they were the host just weeks after key players were axed from the national team by the coach.
Leroy Sane has put Manchester City fans and no doubt Pep Guardiola’s fears at rest by providing a positive injury update after being on the receiving end of a horrendous challenge in Germany’s 1-1 friendly draw against Serbia.
Germany had gone into the break a goal down after reported City target Luka Jovic scored early on but Sane was in electric form in the second half and Die Mannschaft managed to equalise through Leon Goretzka.
Then deep into added time Serbian attacker Milan Pavkov – making his debut for the national side went in studs-up and high on Sane’s ankle in a horrible challenge that was gruesome to watch and looked as if it had caused a serious injury.
It earned Pavkov a straight red card in the 93rd minute.
Sane managed to get up to his feet and hobble off the pitch, however, and the City forward is hopeful of playing in Sunday’s EURO 2020 qualifier against the Netherlands.
The 23-year-old provided an update after the game and quelled fears that he might be facing time on the sidelines: “The foul looked worse than it was, everything is fine with my ankle.”
“We had a few good moments but we have to deliver more.”I try to push the team forward. We are looking forward to Sunday.”
Germany manager Joachim Löw lambasted the “vicious” challenge and said: “Sane was lucky and got away with not getting hurt, but such fouls can break bones.”
The news will undoubtedly come as a great relief to Blues boss Guardiola, who spoke about his fears of his star players getting injured while on international duty ahead of a hectic month of fixtures in April.
“I pray, pray, that they come back fit,” he told Manchester City.”They have to go to their national teams, they have to go, enjoy and play for their country, but I hope they can come back fit like they are now.
“Maybe they will go away, score three goals and return with the same rhythm, who knows? I just want them fit and here.”