“The situation is tough for the lads.”

Facing the cameras at a Thursday DFB presser, Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Füllkrug commented on the exclusion of his club teammates from the latest incarnation of the German Nationalmannschaft.

The fact that Niclas Füllkrug remains the lone Borussia Dortmund player called up to Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann’s senior men’s German national team remains a big talking point in German footballing circles. Appearing alongside Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav – among one of four VfB players to be called up this time around – Füllkrug commented on the matter at a Thursday official DFB presser.

“The situation is tough for the lads,” Füllkrug said of his left-behind teammates, “These are tough decisions. I’m sure that the guys will work very hard over the next two or three months to turn the situation around.”

In addition to being the only BVB player currently working in the DFB locker room, the 31-year-old is not even projected to start in Saturday’s upcoming friendly against France. Whether Nagelsmann lines up in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2, Kai Havertz ostensibly earns preference over Füllkrug based on his scintillating recent club form for Arsenal FC.

“I think my role remains unchanged,” Füllkrug said of his starting prospects, “There’s been plenty of [recent national team games] during which I’ve come off the bench. I’m relaxed about it.”

“I’ve already scored goals when I come off the bench and can give a team input and energy from that position,” Füllkrug concluded, “A tournament is about having players in a role where they help the team.”

More about Niclas Füllkrug

More about Dortmund