Goalkeeper Leno: Not in Germany squad because he wouldn't play

Fulham goalkeeper Bernd Leno has said he turned down a nomination for Germany's upcoming Nations League matches after being told he wouldn't play.

Leno told Monday's Bild paper that he talked on the phone with head coach Julian Nagelsmann and goalkeeper coach Andreas Kronenberg beforehand.

"They told me that I would be part [of the squad] but would't get a match. That's why I decided to train in London," he said.

Leno, 32, has nine caps but was mainly third choice behind Manuel Neuer and Marc-André ter Stegen. Neuer has retired from international football and ter Stegen is sidelined for months with a severe knee injury.

Nagelsmann has nominated the uncapped Oliver Baumann, Alexander Nübel and Jens Blaswich for the games on Friday in Bosnia-Herzegovina and three days later against the Netherlands. Baumann has been promised a start in the first match.

"Julian knows that I will always be there when they need and I can really help the team. At 32 I am no longer a newcomer, I've never made any claims behind Manuel and Marc, I've always delivered and never bragged," Leno said.

"It will always be a great honour for me to play for the national team, and that remains my goal."

Leno's absence from the squad announced in late September led to some raised eyebrows.

Former Germany striker Fredi Bobic told Sky TV "I don't understand why he's not there."

Ex-goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller said: "In my opinion, Bernd Leno has the most international experience. For me, Bernd Leno is definitely a national goalkeeper who has to be in the squad."