RB Leipzig's Diego Demme out of Confederations Cup with Germany
It was a dream come true for RB Leipzig's Diego Demme as he made his senior international debut for Germany against San Marino on Saturday. However, his dream of further caps is now on hold following a back injury and his withdrawal from the Confederations Cup squad.
Following a highly impressive debut Bundesliga campaign, the 25-year-old midfielder was called up to Joachim Löw's squad for last week's friendly against Denmark and a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against San Marino.
While he stayed on the bench for the 1-1 draw with the Danes in Brondby, Demme got his first taste of international football during the 7-0 rout of San Marino in Nuremberg, coming on as a substitute in the 76th minute. "I'm really delighted to have made my debut today," he said on Saturday. "And I'm just happy to be here."
Unfortunately for Demme, a back injury has ruled him out of the Confederations Cup in Russia – the warm-up tournament for next summer's World Cup – where Löw's youthful squad will be up against Australia, Chile and Cameroon in Group B.
"Due to back problems, Diego Demme will not take part in the Confederations Cup, although he will remain with the team until Thursday to receive treatment," the DFB announced on Tuesday night.
Demme's withdrawal means that the original 23-man Germany squad is now down to 21 players, with Manchester City winger Leroy Sane having already pulled out in order to undergo nose surgery.
"We have a responsibility to the club and the player," said team manager Oliver Bierhoff following Demme's injury. "But we have enough cover, so we're not worried. It makes no sense to call somebody back from their holidays now."
Portugal, Mexico, New Zealand and hosts Russia are the other four teams taking part in the Confederations Cup, which runs from 17 June until 2 July.
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