Borussia Dortmund internationals: Ansgar Knauff earns Germany U-21s call-up

Highly rated Borussia Dortmund winger Ansgar Knauff has received his first call-up to the Germany U-21s squad. 

Ansgar Knauff has been rewarded for his impressive rise over the last 12 months with a call-up to the Germany U-21s squad. The young Borussia Dortmund winger was earlier part of the Germany U-20s squad and also played in their game against Poland earlier this week. But he has now been called up to the U-21s team as a replacement for Youssoufa Moukoko and Roberto Massimo.

Moukoko left the Germany U-21s camp earlier this week after suffering a muscle injury. While VfB Stuttgart’s Massimo tested positive for COVID-19. Knauff could make his Germany U-21s debut in their European U-21 Championship qualifier against Hungary next week.

Knauff, who made his Borussia Dortmund debut last year, has one goal and one assist to his name in nine appearances for the senior team. Germany U-21s head coach Antonio Di Salvo said that he is looking forward to getting to know the 19 year old.

Borussia Dortmund internationals: Defeat in the Nations League semi-finals for Axel Witsel and Belgium

Meanwhile, Axel Witsel and Belgium suffered a 3-2 defeat at the hands of France in the semi-finals of the UEFA Nations League on Thursday. Belgium raced to a two goal lead in the first half, but France mounted a stunning comeback after the break and sealed the win through a 90th minute winner from Theo Hernandez.

Borussia Dortmund duo Thorgan Hazard and Thomas Meunier missed the game though injuries. Witsel could be in action again on Sunday as Belgium are due to face Italy in the UEFA Nations League 3rd/4th place playoff.