Germany winger Julian Draxler was ruled out injured ahead of Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Liechtenstein, a day after five other players were sent home following a positive Covid-19 infection.

Defender Niklas Suele had tested positive and teammates Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich, Jamal Musiala and Karim Adeyemi were sent into isolation following local health rules.

“As you know we have invited new players and many other have now left us,” Germany coach Hansi Flick said on Wednesday. “Now Julian (Draxler) was added to this list. He has a muscle injury (in his) right leg. He will be ruled out and I don’t know for how long.”

The Germans have already booked their spot for next year’s tournament in Qatar ahead of Thursday’s game and the match against Armenia on November 14.

But the infection of a national team player reignited a public debate over Bayern Munich midfielder Kimmich’s repeated refusal to get vaccinated, with Flick saying even though he supported vaccination every person had the right to chose.

But Flick said he was now focusing only on the two matches and fielding a team that can deliver attractive, attacking football despite the many changes.

Injury worry

Spain enter their decisive qualifiers against Greece and Sweden without some key players because of injuries. Nine players are not available for coach Luis Enrique for the matches at Greece on Thursday and against Sweden on Sunday.

Spain enter their final two matches in second place in Group B, two points behind Sweden and four ahead of third-place Greece. Pedri González, Ferran Torres and Marcos Llorente, who helped lead Spain to the semi-finals of the European Championship a few months ago, are among those who couldn’t be called up.

Silva to miss

Portugal midfielder Bernardo Silva will miss the qualifier away to Ireland due to “muscle issues”, manager Fernando Santos told reporters on Wednesday.

Silva missed training on Monday and Tuesday.

“I don't count on him. He has muscle complaints. I don't think he has the conditions to go to this game. We think he will be okay for Serbia (on Sunday),” said Santos.

“He arrived tired, complaining, he has many games on him, and couldn't go to training, but he's recovering well and we hope and we believe he'll be able to play here with Serbia.”

The game in Dublin against Ireland is crucial for Portugal, who trail leaders Serbia by a point in Group A but have a game in hand.