Germany manager Hansi Flick will be without Leroy Sane for Wednesday's World Cup 2022 Group E opener with Japan at the Khalifa International Stadium.

The Bayern Munich man has sustained a knee issue which will keep him out of the contest, but Flick is otherwise working with a fully-fit squad.

Die Mannschaft have welcomed Antonio Rudiger and Thomas Muller back to training recently, while striker Niclas Fullkrug has also recovered from illness.

Flick is therefore facing a number of selection dilemmas, but no questions will be asked over who will occupy the gloves, as Manuel Neuer starts as number one.

Rudiger's return to fitness could see him partner Niklas Sule in the heart of the back four, as David Raum and Thilo Kehrer occupy the left and right-back roles respectively.

One major selection dilemma lies at the base of the engine room, with Ilkay Gundogan and Leon Goretzka battling to partner Joshua Kimmich, and the former may just get the nod here.

Serge Gnabry, Jamal Musiala and Jonas Hofmann can expect to form a Bayern Munich-heavy frontline behind Muller, who will hope to edge out Kai Havertz for the number nine spot.

Muller enters the 2022 World Cup aiming to build on a stunning record of 10 goals and six assists in 16 previous appearances - the most of any player since 2010.

Germany possible starting lineup: Neuer; Kehrer, Sule, Rudiger, Raum; Kimmich, Gundogan; Hofmann, Musiala, Gnabry; Muller

> Click here to see how Japan could line up for this match

Written by
Ben Knapton