Nowotny return cheers Völler
Thursday, November 6, 2003
Article summary
Jens Nowotny is back in the Germany squad to face France after a 19-month absence through injury.
Article body
Germany coach Rudi Völler has announced his squad for the friendly against European champions France in Gelsenkirchen on 15 November, a match which will mark the beginning of both sides' preparations for UEFA EURO 2004™.
Trio returns
Bayer 04 Leverkusen defender Jens Nowotny is the most eye-catching name on the list as he returns to international duty for the first time in 19 months during which he was sidelined by two cruciate ligament ruptures. "Jens Nowotny has made big progress after his long break," said Völler. "Due to his skill I don't see a problem fielding him in an international match."
Last appearance
Nowotny's last appearance for his country was in April 2002 in a 1-0 friendly defeat against Argentina. Also back in the fold is Paul Freier of VfL Bochum 1848 while the FC Bayern München pair Sebastian Deisler and Jens Jeremies have recovered from injury in time to take their places in the 21-man party.
Germany squad
Kahn, Lehmann, Baumann, Friedrich, Hinkel, Nowotny, Rehmer, Wörns, Ballack, Bierofka, Deisler, Ernst, Freier, Jeremies, Kehl, Schneider, Bobic, Klose, Kuranyi, Lauth, Neuville.
