BVB star Schlotterbeck fit again? Nagelsmann sheds light | OneFootball

Can Borussia Dortmund breathe a sigh of relief? Nico Schlotterbeck might be on the verge of his comeback in the national team. National coach Julian Nagelsmann reveals how ready the defensive chief really is.

Just before the crucial World Cup qualifying match against Slovakia on Monday (8:45 PM), national coach Julian Nagelsmann has good news for the German national team—especially regarding Dortmund's central defender Nico Schlotterbeck. The 25-year-old, who recently missed games due to a foot injury, will be ready to play according to Nagelsmann. "Schlotti will train as usual," said the national coach at the press conference. The flesh wound sustained during the HSV game has "healed well" and fortunately did not become infected. Although there might still be slight pain with individual ball contacts, Nagelsmann emphasized, "I assume he can play."

Joshua Kimmich is also on the verge of a comeback—albeit with reservations. The captain has been dealing with a capsule injury in his ankle since Thursday and has been following a reduced program. Nagelsmann explained that the final decision will be made on the day of the match: "With Josh, we will decide tomorrow. […] It's about pain and feeling comfortable." Nevertheless, the coach was optimistic, as Kimmich is known for ignoring pain. "Anyone who knows Jo knows that he always wants to play," said the national coach.

Nagelsmann gives the all-clear: BVB star Schlotterbeck apparently fit again

The returnees would be extremely valuable for the national team. Against Luxembourg, the team had significant problems in building up play, especially in the center where a structuring player like Kimmich was missing. Schlotterbeck could also provide important impulses with his vertical passing against the compact pressing of the Slovaks. After losing the last direct encounter (0:2), the German team has a lot to make up for this time—a single point would suffice for direct qualification.

Nagelsmann recalled the difficult path of recent months and the "low point" at the 0:2 against Austria in November 2023. Since then, there have been "continuous steps" that are now to be confirmed in Leipzig. The pressure situation is enormous, admitted the 38-year-old, but the team is "very determined and focused."

A bit of nervousness is still part of it—even for sporting director Rudi Völler. Julian Nagelsmann smiled: "Rudi will also be a bit more nervous, but he can always cover it up quite well."

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.