Germany, France extend opportunities to others after injuries to Thiemann, Labeyrie

HAGEN (FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 European Qualifiers) - Germany and France are set to employ the "next man up" strategy to make up for the losses of key big men Johannes Thiemann and Louis Labeyrie, respectively.

Germany coach Henrik Rddl has brought medi Bayreuth's Andreas Seiferth into the squad after the loss of MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg star Thiemann, who has grown by leaps and bounds in importance to both his club and Germany in the past year.

MHP Riesen announced last week that a hamstring injury would sideline Thiemann for several months.

"This is bitter blow for Johannes," Rodl said. "We wish him good luck and a quick return to the court. Andreas is having a good season at Bayreuth and fits well in the team. He will be able to help us under the basket."

Seiferth has averaged 10.6 points and 4.5 rebounds for medi Bayreuth in the Basketball Champions League

Seiferth is no stranger to the national team. The 28-year-old last wore the Germany shirt in the qualifying campaign for FIBA EuroBasket 2015.

France coach Vincent Collet has not announced a direct replacement, meanwhile, for Labeyrie.

He has brought Hugo Invernizzi, a wing, and point guard Jonathan Rousselle into his latest squad.

The two will be with the 14-man France squad that gathers in Strasbourg on February 19 to start getting ready for the team's World Cup Qualifiers against Russia (February 23, Strasbourg) and Belgium (February 25, Nancy).

Invernizzi and Rousselle both represented France at youth level and will now be hoping to make appearances with the senior team.

FIBA