Both of the host’s key central defenders, Antonio Rudiger and Jonathan Tah, encountered issues following the final group stage match, a 1-1 draw with Switzerland yesterday.

Rudiger and Tah both started in the match at Frankfurt Arena. Tah received a yellow card in the 38th minute for a high-footed challenge and was substituted off in the 61st minute, replaced by Nico Schlotterbeck. Due to having received a yellow card in a previous match, Tah is now suspended and will miss the Round of 16.

Rudiger played the entire match but appeared to be in pain at the end, frequently clutching his thigh. “There might be an issue with him,” coach Julian Nagelsmann said. “But I hope it’s nothing serious.”

Rudiger’s problem could be related to the pitch quality. Before the match, Nagelsmann had warned about the risk of injury on this field, citing examples of Kyle Walker and Jude Bellingham who got injured during England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark in the second round of Group C.

Germany has three other center-backs: Nico Schlotterbeck (Dortmund), Robin Koch (Frankfurt), and Waldemar Anton (Stuttgart). However, their international experience is limited, with a combined total of 24 caps for the national team.

Meanwhile, Rudiger has 72 caps, and Tah has 28, both having had strong seasons. Rudiger was a key player in Real Madrid’s double triumph in La Liga and the Champions League, while Tah helped Bayer Leverkusen win the Bundesliga for the first time under Xabi Alonso.

Germany will have five days to prepare for the Round of 16, which takes place on the evening of June 29. Coach Nagelsmann stated that the team will have a full day off on June 24 before resuming training.

The draw against Switzerland secured Germany the top spot in Group A. They will face the runner-up of Group C—currently Denmark, but England, Slovenia, and Serbia are also potential opponents depending on the final group standings.