Flick: Muller more prepared than ever for World Cup despite fitness issues

Frankfurt, Nov 10, 2022 (AFP) - Germany coach Hansi Flick said star forward Thomas Muller "has never been so well prepared before for a World Cup" when announcing his selection on Thursday.

Flick selected Muller, 33, in his 26-man squad despite the Bayern Munich forward missing eight matches and playing less than 60 minutes in total since late September.

Flick said he was confident Muller would arrive at Germany's pre-World Cup training facility in Oman "in full fitness".

Muller, who won the World Cup in 2014 with Germany, will play in the showpiece event for the fourth time in Qatar.

Muller has been left out of Bayern's squad for Saturday's match against Bundesliga bottom side Schalke with a back complaint.

Bayern manager Julian Nagelsmann said "I would just like to let him rest before the World Cup... (and) heal completely" when explaining Muller's absence from the side.

Germany play their first match of the World Cup against Japan on November 23.