Women's national team - For Olympia: Lena Oberdorf heavily injured at the knee
German footballers and coach Horst Hrubesch will have to do without one of their key players at the Olympics in Paris. Midfielder Lena Oberdorf sustained a cruciate and meniscus injury in her right knee during the 4:0 win against Austria. The DFB announced this after an MRT examination in Munich.
"This news hurts! Our worst fear has come true. We're all thinking about Obi and feeling for her," said national team coach Hrubesch in a statement. "We'll gather all our forces for the Olympic Games. We'll play for her and for the medal."
No Player Can Replace Lena Oberdorf
Oberdorf is a central figure on the six-player team of the 2016 gold medalists. The world-class and power of Lena Oberdorf is hardly matched in the national team, which departs from Frankfurt/Main for Marseille on Sunday and faces the first round opponent Australia on Thursday. Matches against the USA (July 28) and Sambia follow.
The nomination for Oberdorf's replacement will only be announced in the coming days. Hrubesch could call up Janina Minge (VfL Wolfsburg) for his 18-man squad. The former Freiburg player is among three others on standby. Oberdorf, with her 51 international appearances at a young age, cannot be replaced so quickly. According to Hrubesch, physicality will be crucial at Olympia.
The great atmosphere before 43,953 spectators in Hannover, the last successful cheer test before the Summer Games following the disappointing 0:3 in Iceland – all of this was erased just a few minutes after the final whistle due to Oberdorf's injury. Forward Lea Schüller, who had recently been on vacation with her future Munich club colleague, had tears in her eyes after the game.
Even FC Bayern is Shocked
The shocking moment when Oberdorf apparently suffered a serious injury and lay openly on the ground took everyone in the DFB delegation by surprise. "I hope and I'm also ready to pray that it's not serious and that we might still get her to the Olympics," said Hrubesch in an initial reaction.
Oberdorf was taken to Munich on Wednesday. Even at German champion FC Bayern, which had poached the DFB star with a spectacular transfer from perennial rival VfL Wolfsburg, the scene caused shock: Oberdorf had been left hanging on the grass after an action and could only hobble off the field with the help of trainers. "This is a hard blow, and we all feel for Lena. We'll accompany her on her way back and be there for her in every way," said Bayern sporting director Bianca Rech. "Lena is a fighter, we'll still have a lot of joy from her."
"She Screamed in Pain"
Captain Giulia Gwinn, who has had two cruciate ligament tears in the past, witnessed the incident up close and spoke of "definitely mixed feelings. It didn't go well, and it obviously hurts a lot when you see a player in such pain." Defender Kathrin Hendrich said, "She screamed in pain. She thought it was just a knock, but that doesn't always mean it is."
Oberdorf missed the first group game at the failed 2023 Women's World Cup in Australia due to injury. In the previous season, she struggled with back problems.
Oberdorf is also known for her offensive play and experience, making her irreplaceable in the Olympic selection. Hrubesch mentioned that Alexandra Popp could play in the six position as well. However, the regular team captain and striker was rested in Hannover due to a foot injury, just like defensive leader Marina Hegering. "Both are fit and could have been used," said the national coach about the duo from VfL Wolfsburg.
"Despite Oberdorf's absence, Horst Hrubesch remains optimistic for the Olympic Games, vowing to play 'for her' and 'for the medal.'"
"The DFB and FC Bayern share the sentiment of shock and concern, with Hrubesch hoping for her swift recovery and Bayern's sporting director expressing solidarity."
