Thomas Muller returns to German football team following Niclas Fullkrug's injury

Bayern Munich's forward has featured in 121 games for Germany

Thomas Muller has been recalled to the German football team for the first time since the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

After striker Niclas Füllkrug tore a tendon, coach Hansi Flick brought back the 33-year-old Müller to the team on Monday for the first time in nine months.

On December 1, Thomas Muller played his 121st and final match for Germany at the World Cup in Qatar, where they were eliminated in the group stage. At the time, Muller indicated he might have played in his final international match; however, he later said he had been "emotional" and would still be eligible for selection. Since then, he hasn't been called up for any of the five friendlies.

In preparation for hosting the European Championship the following year, Germany and Flick are in need of Müller's return.

Germany only has one victory in their five friendlies this year. They were knocked out of the World Cup by Japan and couldn’t make it past the group stage.

After the World Cup, Thomas Muller’s indication at retirement indicated that he might not feature for the German national side in the future. However, an injury scare may see him prolong his international career.

Germany is scheduled to face Japan and France in international friendlies on the 10th and 13th of September respectively.

Thomas Muller has won the World Cup with Germany in 2014. The forward known as the “Ramtueder” has amassed 44 goals in 121 international appearances for Germany.

He has been at his best in international competitions, scoring 10 World Cup goals in 19 appearances for Germany. He has hinted in the past that his international career has come to an end after the World Cup,  however, his comeback in September will raise speculation on whether he will board the bus for next year's Euro Championship or not, which is to be hosted in Germany.