With Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels both struggling with fitness issues as well – the back line is becoming a real problem area for the three-time European and reigning world champions.
The withdrawal of Rudiger leaves Germany with Shkodran Mustafi, Jonas Hector, Benedikt Howedes and Joshua Kimmich as defensive options in the squad while Hummels and Boateng battle to return to full fitness.
Left back Marcel Schmelzer is one option for Low to call up before they kick off their Group C campaign alongside Northern Ireland, Ukraine and Poland.
But despite those problems – and their struggles in qualifying for the Euros – the Germans remain one of the favourites for the title.
And according to World Cup winner and former Leverkusen coach Klaus Augenthaler it is the German’s tactical flexibility that separates them from the rest.
"At the [2014] World Cup in Brazil we had a hard start, but increased from match to match. That's what distinguished the German team," he said.
"In Mexico [at the 1986 World Cup], it was the same with our team. Italy [at the 1990 World Cup] was a bit different, as we started well with a super match against Yugoslavia.
"But, in the end, that's what distinguishes the mentality of the German national team. They're able to change tactics in the tournament – depending to how they're starting – and accordingly increase their levels."
Source: Sportsbeat
