Reigning champions Germany have made the stunning decision to leave Manchester City winger Leroy Sane out of their squad for World Cup 2018.
The 22-year-old is coming off the back of an impressive season at club level which saw him collect a Premier League and Carabao Cup double.
Sane contributed 14 goals to the City cause during a record-breaking campaign, while also providing 17 assists across English top-flight and Champions League competition.
He will, however, play no part for his country in Russia this summer after being cut from Joachim Low’s 27-man preliminary party.
With that selection narrowed down to 23 ahead of the defence of a global crown, Germany have opted to favour the likes of Julian Draxler and Sebastian Rudy.
Alongside Sane, Bayer Leverkusen duo Bernd Leno and Jonathan also miss out, as does Freiburg striker Nils Petersen.
Full Squad
Goalkeepers: Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich), Marc-Andre ter Stegen (Barcelona), Kevin Trapp (PSG)
Defenders: Jerome Boateng (Bayern Munich), Mats Hummels (Bayern Munich), Niklas Sule (Bayern Munich), Antonio Rudiger (Chelsea), Matthias Ginter (Borussia Monchengladbach), Jonas Hector (Koln), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Marvin Plattenhardt (Hertha Berlin)
Midfielders: Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Sami Khedira (Juventus), Ilkay Gundogan (Manchester City), Leon Goretzka (Schalke), Sebastian Rudy (Bayern Munich), Mesut Ozil (Arsenal), Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich), Julian Brandt (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Draxler (PSG), Marco Reus (Borussia Dortmund)
Forwards: Mario Gomez (Stuttgart), Timo Werner (RB Leipzig)
Shadevil
372
If you're asking why Sané was dropped Look at his performances for Germany and Manchester City and you'll notice a HUGE difference. He played extremely well for City but failed to impress for the national team despite being given numerous chances. His positioning is way off and his style of play suites Pep more than Löw. Moreover Müller tends to play on the right and Reus on the left. With Özil, Kroos and Khedira or Gündogan in the mix it will be hard for him to find a starting spot. As Löw said for Neuer, he'll start if he travels. Despite of Sané's obvious talent he'll find himself warming the bench and see his teammates win the trophy for him. I respect Löw's decision. Die Mannschaft for the World Cup
amospablo11
324
I think sane was dropped because he said pep was the best coach he has ever been with...is now open that low is a jealous coach
Wendydemi
266
What a joke? Is there anyone who has glories like him in his age?
Abdelfattah47
226
From Icardi and Naingolan being dropped, I'm now not surprised that Leroy Sane has been dropped. This is the TREND 😎
yazadkntyz
210
someone call a doctor iam dying here
boycott
131
Don't be sad, LEROY. WE WILL HAVE THE FUTURE! Have a good holiday and prepare to win another trophy with Man City.
iLoveAss
127
Low's tactics and decisions have been fruitful to Germany everytime so there must be a reason, but maybe its will be the first time when his decision may bite him back
Paul_Remmy
123
the coach is not thinking straight leaving Sane and taking Gomes[Sadtolook]. Sane would have been Germany's Messi or Belgium Hazard with his pace, dribbles that not a person to watch world cup at home
Jamesalehandro1
115
Wow.. So Julian Brandt is better than EPl young player of the season.. I hope Germany coach knows what he is doing.. Bad decision of you ask me
Cedklt
114
They only pick 8 players outside bundesliga how which Sane is playing in bundesliga I know they wouldn't have drop him, sorry Sane somebody have to go. Continue play harder 2022 may be your year.
l-yahans
98
Everyone should understand that age could also be a factor. Sane is still very young and this may be Rues and Draxler's last world Cup and he would be one of the people leading Germany's attack for many years.
ibrahim_faisal_2000
96
he was one of the best wingers in EPL..... the toughest opponent for defenders......dribbled through 5-6 players of famous teams like arsenal and chelsea and more....BUT STILL ĻØW MANAGES TO MISS HIM?????
Dimdenpruz
91
This one am very disappointed in low selection, Mario Gomez and julian shouldn't have been selected at all. sane not selected why because he is playing in the Germany soil. am redrawing my support from Germany. Germany will come out from the Group stage.
bempr
33
Why is it that EVERY poster critical of the decision wants to blame racism instead if actually looking at the numbers? Boateng IS BLACK and has been a mainstay for Germany...Why? BECAUSE HE IS AMAZING AT HIS POSITION AND FITS THE SYSTEM, how can anyone claim Low is racist? FOOLISH NONSENSE ...
bempr
31
Get over it, he played well for club, not so much for country. There are much better players for the system on the roster, he's young and has time. He needs more experience in the German system.