Tragic Olympics-outing for DFB-star Oberdorf
After the injury in the EM-Qualifier match against Austria, the DFB confirms worst fears: Lena Oberdorf rules out the Olympics with a severe knee injury. Bayern Munich's new top transfer will be missed for a long time.
The worst fears have been confirmed: Defensive midfielder Lena Oberdorf sustained a cruciate and meniscus injury in her right knee during Germany's successful Olympic test match against Austria (4:0) on Tuesday in Hannover.
"This news hurts! Our worst fear has come true. We're all thinking about Obi and feeling with her," said national coach Horst Hrubesch in a statement after Oberdorf's MRT examination at her new club Bayern Munich: "We'll pull all our forces together for the Olympics. We'll play for the medal for Obi as well."
"Screamed in pain"
The 22-year-old had been injured during a tackle against Austria's Barbara Dunst, hobbled off the field with the help of two trainers, and had to be substituted. "She screamed in pain. She thought she heard something pop," Kathrin Hendrich had said after the victory over Austria.
Oberdorf's replacement in the 18-player squad could be Janina Minge. The 25-year-old is already the backup for Oberdorf at VfL Wolfsburg, who has moved to Bayern Munich, and impressed in the starting lineup on Tuesday evening in Hannover. Besides Minge, Stina Johannes (both Frankfurt), Nicole Anyomi, and Felicitas Rauch (North Carolina Courage) are listed as Olympic reserves. "The nomination will be announced in the coming days," the DFB announced.
Despite the injury, Lena Oberdorf's absence from the DFB-Women's team won't prevent them from aiming high at the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris. The talented defensive midfielder, who joined Bayern Munich, will be replaced by Janina Minge in the squad, should Oberdorf be unable to recover in time.
Following her severe knee injury during the EM-Qualifier against Austria, Lena Oberdorf, a key player for the DFB-Women's team and the newly signed star at Bayern Munich, faces an uncertain road to the Olympic Games 2024 in Paris.
