Wanner leaves before the U21 international match

The German U21 national team will play the last international match of the year in France without Paul Wanner. The ailing offensive player left the German Football Association’s selection and will continue to receive treatment at his Bundesliga club 1. FC Heidenheim. “It didn’t make any sense,” said U21 national coach Antonio Di Salvo on the TV channel ProSieben Maxx. “We’re not taking any risks.”

Wanner, who was on loan to Heidenheim from FC Bayern Munich and who had decided not to take part in the senior international match, suffered a blow to his back in the 3-0 win against Denmark. The 18-year-old tried it out in the final training session, but according to Di Salvo, playing against France in Valenciennes on Tuesday was not an option. Heidenheim continues in the league against champions Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.