Germany national team head coach Jürgen Klopp faces an immediate personnel crisis ahead of his third match in charge, losing defender Nico Schlotterbeck to an external ligament injury in his right ankle during training in Herzogenaurach. The team prepares to face Serbia on Thursday evening at 20:45 local time at the stadium in Munich in the Nations League.
Injury Crisis Hits DFB Squad Before Munich Fixture
Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck sustained an external ligament injury in his right ankle during the official final training session at the team’s quarters. The defender will miss both the clash against Serbia and Sunday’s return fixture against Greece in Thessaloniki. Die Mannschaft currently sits in third place in the Nations League group stage following a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands and a defeat to Greece, while Serbia enters Thursday’s match without a point from two losses.
The Captaincy Dilemma and Squad Selection
With Schlotterbeck sidelined—having been considered a candidate to wear the captain’s armband—Klopp left the leadership question open during his Wednesday afternoon press conference at the stadium. “Der die meisten Länderspiele hat, wird der Kapitän sein,” Klopp stated. That criteria points toward Bayern Munich attacking player Serge Gnabry with 61 caps, or Florian Wirtz from FC Liverpool with 46 appearances for Germany. If neither starts, RB Leipzig defender David Raum stands next in line with 39 caps. Regular team captain Joshua Kimmich of Bayern Munich is absent from the squad for the first time since November 2025, as Klopp plans with two squads for the two international windows.
Jonas Urbig Set for Senior International Debut
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Jonas Urbig will earn his debut for Germany against Serbia. The 23-year-old, who is the number two behind Manuel Neuer at the club, learned of his selection during Wednesday’s training session. “Das ist sehr besonders. Es ist ein Moment, auf den man sein ganzes Leben hingearbeitet hat,” Urbig told reporters on the podium in Munich. Urbig acknowledged that he takes the step up while maintaining a strong match rhythm, having recorded well over 30 appearances for Bayern Munich.
Tactical Adjustments and Patience in Midfield
Addressing tactical shortcomings from the loss to Greece, Klopp emphasized the importance of the rest defense and counter-pressing. He defended his players, pointing out that the team generated ample possession and scoring opportunities against Greece but failed to finish. Regarding his central midfield pairings—which previously featured Kimmich and Borussia Dortmund’s Felix Nmecha—the 59-year-old manager asked for public patience. “Ich bin 25 Jahre Trainer. Nach fünf Tagen hat in meinem Leben noch keine Doppel-Sechs funktioniert. Man muss den Jungs Zeit geben,” Klopp remarked, using a ballet analogy to illustrate the need for familiarity on the pitch.
Match Schedule and Upcoming Fixtures
Germany meets Serbia on Thursday at 20:45 at the stadium in Munich. Following the home fixture, Die Mannschaft travels to face Greece on Sunday at 20:45 in Thessaloniki.
