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Joachim Low rejects suggestion Mesut Ozil could return for Germany

Germany host France in Nations League on Thursday, live on Sky Sports, in first outing since early World Cup exit and Ozil's shock decision to quit

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Germany coach Joachim Low says Mesut Ozil will not be returning after announcing his international retirement in July

Germany coach Joachim Low has confirmed there is no chance of Mesut Ozil returning to the squad after he announced his retirement from international football in July.

Arsenal playmaker Ozil accused some members of the German FA of racism, with Low later claiming he was not consulted by the player before he made his decision.

Image: Ozil retired from international football in July

Germany play France in the UEFA Nations League on Thursday - live on Sky Sports - with Low attempting to rebuild confidence after their group-stage World Cup exit this summer, minus Ozil.

"I think everything has been said about this. When a player announces his resignation like that, you don't pick him for the squad eight or nine weeks later," said Low.

"Players who have resigned will not have a role to play in future. He's said he doesn't want to play, he told us his thoughts, I don't know why we should keep talking about it.

Live UEFA Nations League

"He was part of the team for a long time but not anymore, for this team it's over and he's not part of our thoughts anymore.

"Mesut and I enjoyed a lot of success together over the years. I have tried several times to reach him on the phone, without any luck, and I will continue to try and make contact with him in the future."

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Joachim Low during a team Germany training session ahead of Nations League game against France
Image: Low will lead Germany for the first time since their early World Cup exit when they play France on Thursday

Low has opted to bring in just three new players to his squad to face France, with the majority having featured in Russia, but he has backed them to lift the nation.

"It's up to the team to light the spark and get the excitement going again," added Low. "Then the fans will get back on our side."

Watch Germany v France on Thursday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Mix from 7:40pm.

Watch the Nations League live on Sky and get two football channels for one great price. Get Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Football in HD - now £18 a month.

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