Who will make it into the final squad? The game in Spain provided some insight into Alex Mumbru’s thoughts, but David Krämer’s injury could change things again.
Mumbru still has two players to cut. In Madrid, the Spaniard left out both Nelson Weidemann and Leon Kratzer, who were the only players not to see any action. Both had been considered candidates for the chopping block since the start of preparations, but national coach Alex Mumbru is not yet ready to finalize his squad.
There are reasons for this, as David Krämer, who would be certain of his place if he were fully fit, is still injured. The new signing from Real Madrid only played in the first game against Slovenia and has been out ever since with an adductor injury. Germany could really use another good shooter, as the team is only hitting 30.9 percent from the three-point line.
Germany’s best shooter, Andreas Obst, is still searching for his form, which makes Krämer, who was the twelfth and last man in the squad when Germany won the World Cup in 2023, all the more important.
DBB: Will Kratzer make it for the fourth time?
However, if Krämer does not make it, Weidemann would be the logical candidate to take his place. The Ulm native is not a shooter, but he is a solid defender who can also bring the ball up the court. The former Bayern player was only able to impress to a limited extent in the preseason (3 PPG, 17.6 FG%), but another small player is no longer in the squad after Christian Anderson was cut.
This probably also means that Leon Kratzer will not make the squad for the fourth time in a row. He also suffered an injury in the Supercup, but it does not appear to be too serious. With Daniel Theis fit in time, the new Bayern center seems to have a bad hand (once again).
There is probably still one option left. Germany and Spain will meet again on Saturday, but this time at the Lanxess Arena in Cologne.
