By Peter Weis   @PeterVicey

The German FA confirmed Bundestrainerin Martina Voss-Tecklenburg’s final roster for the upcoming Women’s World Cup on Saturday afternoon.

One day after completing their final pre-tournament friendly, the German Women’s national team’s final 2023 World Cup roster has been finalized. Five players – Sarai Linder (defender, Hoffenheim), Melissa Kössler (striker, Hoffenheim), Carlotta Wamser (striker, Eintracht Frankfurt), Tabea Sellner (formerly Tabea Waßmuth – striker, VfL Wolfsburg) and Ena Mahmutovic (keeper, MSV Duisburg) – were cut from a 28-player-roster named late last month.

Paulina Krumbiegel (midfielder, Hoffenheim) had to withdraw earlier in the week because of injury. SC Freiburg midfielder Janina Minge will be traveling with the team to their Australian base camp as a reserve player in the event that someone else incurs injury. Despite incurring minor injuries in last night’s loss to Zambia, midfielder Lena Oberdorf and defender Marina Hegering retain their nominations. Unfortunately, Caroline Simon’s knee problems in last night’s loss were revealed to be the result on an ACL tear.

Simon, an experienced Bayern defender, must remain at home. The DFB-Frauen are already missing regulars from last summer’s Euro’s Giulia Gwinn and Linda Dallman due to serious injuries. Gwinn’s absence leave’s Voss-Tecklenburg without a natural right fullback; something that could prove the Achilles Heel of the team. Svenja Huth (ordinarily a winger) started in the position last night, struggling as a defender before thriving in her natural position later on. Central defenders Sara Doorsoun and Sofia Kleinherne are other options.

The absence of Gwinn and Dallman means that Chantal Hagel and Sjoeke Nüsken (two players not on last summer’s Euro Roster) count as new introductions. Additionally, Melanie Leupholz is back after having to sit out last summer’s tournament. Keeper Almuth Schult – who surprisingly lost her #1 role to Merle Frohms last year – is out on pregnancy leave. The German Women head down under seeking their third World Championship following the back-to-back titles in 2003 and 2007.

The full squad:

Goalkeepers:
Merle Frohms, VfL Wolfsburg
Ann-Katrin Berger, Chelsea
Stina Johannes, Eintracht Frankfurt

Defenders:
Marina Hegering, Bayern München
Felicitias Rauch, VfL Wolfsburg
Kathrin Hendrich, VfL Wolfsburg
Sara Doorsoun, Eintracht Frankfurt
Sjoeke Nüsken, Eintracht Frankfurt
Sofia Kleinherne, Eintracht Frankfurt

Midfielders/Forwards:
Jule Brand, VfL Wolfsburg
Lena Oberdorf, VfL Wolfsburg
Lena Lattwein, VfL Wolfsburg
Svenja Huth, VfL Wolfsburg
Alexandra Popp, VfL Wolfburg
Sydney Lohmann, Bayern München
Lina Magull, Bayern München
Klara Bühl, Bayern München
Lea Schüller, Bayern München
Sara Däbritz, Olympique Lyon
Melanie Leupolz, Chelsea
Chantal Hagel, TSG 1899 Hoffenheim
Nicole Anyomi, Eintracht Frankfurt
Laura Freigang, Eintracht Frankfurt

Unser TEAM für die anstehende Weltmeisterschaft in Australien und Neuseeland

Alle weiteren Infos:
https://t.co/SBSo24wgQu

WIR #IMTEAM #FIFAWWC pic.twitter.com/EXxjZN7Pew

— DFB-Frauen (@DFB_Frauen) July 8, 2023

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