It has been an up-and-down season for Marco Reus this year. He was injured for a while, but has played well in the second half of the season. The German international has managed a respectable 5 goals and 4 assists in 15 Bundesliga appearances.
But Reus still hasn’t been at his absolute best. He probably recognizes this, and wants to be at his best for the start of the next campaign.
For these reasons and others, Reus will not play for Germany in the Confederations Cup this summer. Kicker has the full story, and here’s a decent translation:
Bundestrainer Joachim Löw would gladly have had Reus in Russia as a leading player. Both sides have now agreed that Reus does not take part.
Reus' refusal is not surprising, also the BVB officials had wanted a tournament-free summer for the offense player, who had suffered a lot of injuries in the past
Reus had to cancel the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and the European Championship 2016 in France for injuries.
So it seems like Joachim Löw wanted Reus to play, but that the club and Marco decided not to risk it. The Confederations Cup really doesn’t mean much, especially when compared with the World Cup that will take place in Russia next year. Marco sitting this one out is a good idea.
Germany have plenty of other options to play in Reus’ place. The full squad was announced today, and the only Dortmund player to make the cut was Matthias Ginter.
Reus’ has had an unfortunate injury history, but hopefully rest like this is the key to putting that frustrating past behind him.