Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer will miss the World Cup qualifier against San Marino after feeling unwell shortly before the team's departure on Wednesday.
Neuer's club, Bayern Munich, later said in a statement that the goalkeeper was examined and diagnosed with a viral infection. He was told to rest for a few days.
The German soccer federation said midfielder Julian Brandt also stayed home, down with the flu.
Germany was already missing midfielders Toni Kroos and Julian Draxler, as well as defender Jerome Boateng, because of various injuries.
After playing in San Marino on Friday, Germany meets Italy in a friendly on Tuesday in Milan.
Germany leads its group with three wins from three matches and is heavily favored against San Marino.
Only the group winners qualify directly for the 2018 tournament in Russia, where Germany hopes to defend its World Cup title.
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
