Germany head coach Joachim Low has left Manchester City star Leroy Sane out of his 23-man squad for the 2018 World Cup, the German Football Federation have confirmed.
Sane played an integral role in Manchester City’s league and cup double last season and had been tipped for a starting berth for Die Mannschaft at the World Cup this summer.
The 22-year-old was named PFA Young Player of the Year following his performances for City last season but there is no place for him in Low’s Germany squad.
Low has instead made the controversial decision to include Bayer Leverkusen Wideman Julian Brandt in his squad; despite the fact, Sane played a direct hand in 13 more league goals than the 22-year-old last term.
“That was a very close decision between him and Julian Brandt, which was made in favour of Brandt. Draxler, Reus and Muller are set. Leroy has a huge talent,” Low told reporters.
“He will be back again from September. He has not arrived in international matches yet.”
World champions Germany will open their 2018 World Cup campaign against Mexico on June 17, before also taking on Sweden and South Korea in the group stage of the competition.