Hansi Flick leaves World Cup door open for Mats Hummels

Hansi Flick has refused to rule out the possibility of Mats Hummels making the Germany squad for this year’s FIFA World Cup.

Mats Hummels has enjoyed an excellent start to the season for Borussia Dortmund, leading the team’s defence with great resolve and determination. The 33 year old has been making a strong case for a recall to the Germany squad. And there have been growing calls to include him in the squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

In a press conference on Thursday ahead of Germany’s UEFA Nations League clash against Hungary, head coach Hansi Flick said that he is watching Hummels’ performances very closely.

"“Our central defenders have high quality. We are looking very closely at Dortmund. I’m excited to see how things develop there with three potential centre backs for us. Every single one of them will have to push their limits to be in the mix.”"

The competition for places is very high in central defence, both at Borussia Dortmund and the Germany national team. Borussia Dortmund duo Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle have established themselves as regulars in the Germany squad. And it will be interesting to see if Hummels manages to join them in the squad for the World Cup in Qatar.

Mats Hummels last played for his country at the 2020 European Championships, where Germany were eliminated by England in the round of 16. For a while it appeared that his Germany career was over. But if he continues to impress in the coming weeks, Hansi Flick will certainly have no choice but to include him in the squad for the World Cup. The 2014 FIFA World Cup winner has won 76 caps for the Germany national team.

Germany are set to go up against Spain, Costa Rica and Japan in the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.