Speaking exclusively to Bild on Sunday morning, Marco Reus discussed his expiring Borussia Dortmund contract, his favourites for the World Cup and the injury that cost him a place in the Germany squad.
“It’s part of competitive sport,” said Reus. “I will also deal with this sensibly and attack again in the new year. I did everything to be at this World Cup. Unfortunately, my ankle threw a spanner in the works. I tried everything to be fit in time. Now the focus is on being pain free at the start of training on January 2.”
… on Mats Hummels’ omission from the Germany squad
“You don’t have to comfort Mats. In such a situation, everyone makes up their own mind. He knows he played a strong first half of the season. Mats is mentally strong enough to rest a bit now and then attack again.”
… on his plans to watch the World Cup
“We have a lot to do at home. The focus is on my rehab plan and to get fit but besides that, I will definitely watch a few games.”
… on his World Cup favourites
“This World Cup is different from all the others. You come fully from the day-to-day business. I think Brazil and Argentina will play a big role and I have a lot of faith in us. Also France, Spain and England.”
… on his BVB contract expiring in 2023
“I made my wishes public in the last few weeks and months. Everyone knows that I love the club very much but you have to ask Sebastian Kehl. I have said everything on the subject. In the end, it’s not up to me.”
Reus (33) was substituted in Borussia Dortmund’s Revierderby win against Schalke on September 17 and despite making a brief return against Union Berlin four weeks later, has struggled with his recovery. The return against Union aggravated Reus’ ankle injury further and despite making another return against Bochum three weeks later, he was substituted after 23 minutes.
It was then made known that Reus would miss the Qatar World Cup. In attack, Germany has a plethora of injury problems with Timo Werner (RB Leipzig) and Lukas Nmecha (Wolfsburg) also missing the tournament with injuries. Niclas Füllkrug also missed the first training session in Qatar with flu but is expected to return before Wednesday’s Group E game against Japan.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
