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Nagelsmann Names Revamped Germany Squad Amid Injuries to Musiala, and Rüdiger

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32 seconds ago

22/05/2025

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has named a fresh 26-man squad ahead of the UEFA Nations League semi-finals, making major changes that include the return of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen and the introduction of two new faces.

Nagelsmann Names Revamped Germany Squad Amid Injuries to Musiala, and Rüdiger

Nagelsmann made a total of 10 changes to the team, with several key players missing due to injury. Among those sidelined are midfielder Jamal Musiala, defenders Antonio Rudiger and Nico Schlotterbeck, and forward Kai Havertz.

Speaking about the number of injuries, Nagelsmann admitted that the situation was “extremely bitter,” but emphasized that he didn’t want to rush anyone back and risk making things worse. “We don’t want to take any chances with their health,” he said.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is back in action and has been named Germany’s number one for the upcoming matches. The shot-stopper has only played twice for Barcelona since returning from a long-term injury in September, but Nagelsmann praised his form, saying he is “in top shape.”

Nagelsmann’s Germany squad also includes two new names: 18-year-old midfielder Tom Bischof, who will be joining Bayern Munich from Hoffenheim this summer, and 1.98m-tall striker Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart. Both players are getting their first senior call-up.

The coach had special praise for Woltemade, saying the tall forward has “extraordinary skills” and is currently full of confidence. “He has momentum totally on his side,” Nagelsmann added.

Other familiar faces making their return include Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz and West Ham United striker Niclas Fuellkrug, both of whom missed Germany’s March fixtures due to injury. Bayern Munich duo Serge Gnabry and Aleksandar Pavlovic also return, alongside Borussia Dortmund’s Waldemar Anton and Felix Nmecha. Fiorentina defender Robin Gosens has also been recalled.

Germany secured their place in the Nations League semi-finals after a thrilling win over Italy back in March. Now, they are set to face Portugal in Munich, while Spain and France will clash in the other semi-final in Stuttgart.

Under Nagelsmann, Germany’s national team has been showing signs of improvement after years of underperformance. The team reached the quarter-finals in Euro 2024, where they narrowly lost to Spain in extra time. That run has helped restore belief in the team and its young talents.

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Nagelsmann highlighted the importance of maintaining high performance levels, saying: “We can’t afford to go one metre less than we did in the best moments in the quarter-finals against Italy.”

Full Julian Nagelsmann Germany Squad for Nations League Semi-Finals

Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Alexander Nuebel (Stuttgart), and Marc-Andre Ter Stegen (Barcelona)

Defenders: Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen), Waldemar Anton (Borussia Dortmund), Yann Aurel Bisseck (Inter Milan), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Robin Koch (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maximilian Mittelstaedt (Stuttgart), David Raum (RB Leipzig), and Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen).

Midfielders: Karim Adeyemi (Borussia Dortmund), Nadiem Amiri (Mainz), Tom Bischof (Hoffenheim), Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich), Leon Goretzka (Bayern Munich), Robin Gosens (Fiorentina), Pascal Gross (Borussia Dortmund), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Aleksandar Pavlovic (Bayern Munich), Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart) and Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen).

Forwards: Niclas Fuellkrug (West Ham United), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart) and Nick Woltemade (Stuttgart).