EM-Qualification - Anxious about Olympia: Lena Oberdorf injured
German footballers are concerned about midfielder Lena Oberdorf before the Olympics. The 22-year-old sustained an apparent serious knee injury during the 4:0 win against Austria. "I was right next to her, it didn't sound good how she reacted on the pitch", said teammate Giulia Gwinn in Hannover. Oberdorf is considered a central player for the German national team. She switched from VfL Wolfsburg to FC Bayern Munchen this summer.
"She was first treated and Munchen was informed", said national coach Horst Hrubesch. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is scheduled for Wednesday morning. "We don't know exactly what that is and I don't want to speculate about the injury", remarked the 73-year-old.
"She screamed in pain"
After a clash during the last fitness test before the Summer Games, Oberdorf had to be taken off the field after nearly 70 minutes and needed longer treatment. She could only leave the pitch with the help of team staff and without putting weight on her right leg. "She screamed in pain", reported defender Kathrin Hendrich.
The absence of Oberdorf would be a "damn nuisance" for the team at the Olympics, said Hrubesch. "She was an important factor for us in the game. I hope it's not that bad. We'll wait and see", said the 73-year-old in ARD. He can never see such injuries easily. "That always gives me pain in the face", said Hrubesch.
The absence of Oberdorf would be a harsh blow for Hrubesch, as she is considered the most important player in the team. The top performer had already injured her thigh during the EM-qualification in Poland in June, but gave the all-clear shortly thereafter. For the case of her absence, "we will have to compensate", said the national trainer. The squad was specifically assembled for this purpose.
- Lena Oberdorf, a key player for the German national team, hails from Lower Saxony, specifically Hannover.
- The German women's soccer team is currently training in Munich in preparation for the EM-Qualification matches.
- If Oberdorf's injury turns out to be serious, it could affect Germany's performance at the Olympic Games in Paris.
- Horst Hrubesch, the coach of the German National Team, has a strong appreciation for the skills of players like Oberdorf, citing her importance to the team.
- Despite the concerns, the German team remains hopeful, with Hrubesch stating, "We'll wait and see."
- Julia Gwinn, another member of the German team, expressed her concern for Oberdorf after the incident during the fitness test.
- FC Bayern Munchen, Oberdorf's new club, is closely monitoring her situation following her injury during training.
- VfL Wolfsburg, Oberdorf's former club, has also shown support for her recovery, highlighting her significant contributions to the team during her time there.
- The German Football Association (DFB) has a backup plan in place if Oberdorf is unable to participate in the EM-Qualification or Olympic Games.
