Why Germany face a defensive crisis going into Women’s Euro 2025 semi-final with Spain | OneFootball

Germany are facing a defensive crisis going into their Women’s Euro 2025 semi-final clash due to injuries and suspensions.

Christian Wuck’s side will meet tournament favourites Spain on Wednesday night after beating France on penalties.

The Germans looked certain to head out after Kathrin Hendrich was sent off after just 13 minutes.

However, they showed tremendous courage and grit to take the game to extra time and penalties.

Despite the euphoria of beating France on Saturday night, Germany have defensive concerns going into Wednesday’s clash in Zurich.

Suspensions and injuries affecting Germany squad ahead of Euro 2025 semi-final

Germany will be without defender Sarai Linder for their Euro 2025 meeting with Spain at Stadion Letzigrund.

The German FA have confirmed that the VfL Wolfsburg defender suffered a ligament injury during the victory over France.

Linder was replaced just 20 minutes into the contest after extensive treatment on the sidelines.

She suffered the injury following a tussle with Marie-Antoinette Katoto. German doctors wrapped a bandage around Linder’s ankle, but she could not play on.

It is not clear whether Linder will be fit in time to feature for Germany should they make the final.

Germany were already without captain Giulia Gwinn, after the right-back sustained a knee injury during their opening game against Poland.

Christian Wuck’s side will also be without defender Kathrin Hendrich after she was sent off for pulling the hair of French star Griedge Mbock.

Carlotta Wamser will return from suspension, but midfielder Sjoeke Nusken will also be missing after receiving her second yellow card of the tournament.

Which Germany players will miss their Euro 2025 semi-final vs Spain?

Below is the four players who will Germany’s Women’s Euro 2025 semi-final against Spain.

Who will Germany start in defence against Spain?

Carlotta Wamser will likely return to the right-back role after her return from suspension.

Franziska Kett, who stepped in at left-back against France, will fill in for Sarai Linder at left-back.

Sophia Kleinherne should play alongside Rebecca Knack at centre-back, with Janina Minge in defensive midfield and looking to help out the defenders behind her.

However, Germany will be light on defensive options to come off the bench, so if they pick up another injury, Christian Wuck might have to look to his midfielders to help out.

What are Germany’s chances of reaching the Euro 2025 final?

According to the UK’s top betting sites, Germany are 4/1 underdogs to beat Euro 2025 favourites Spain.

Spain are priced at 4/9 while a draw, which would see the game go to extra-time and potentially penalties, is at 11/4.