Germany will face Serbia without Nico Schlotterbeck and Felix Keidel after Jürgen Klopp reduced his matchday options to 23 players, according to reports.
Borussia Dortmund center-back Schlotterbeck was already expected to miss out after picking up an ankle injury on Wednesday. His absence was described as a given once the injury was confirmed.
SV Elversberg right-back and midfielder Keidel is the second player dropped from the squad. UEFA, via @iMiaSanMia, confirmed that both players will not be part of the squad available for the match.
The omission of Keidel is another reminder of the competition for places inside this Germany setup. Klopp has brought together established internationals and several younger players looking to make their mark, meaning not everyone called into camp can make the final matchday squad.
Keidel will watch from the sidelines as Germany takes on Serbia. The remaining 23 players will look to take advantage of their opportunity.
His omission is particularly notable given the number of players Klopp has been evaluating during this international break. Schlotterbeck’s absence leaves Germany without one of its key defensive options and could create another opportunity for one of the other defenders in the squad.
With only 23 players eligible to feature, every selection decision carries significance. Germany will now turn its attention to Serbia and another chance for Klopp’s squad to build chemistry and continue developing under its new manager.
Bayern Munich attacker Serge Gnabry will captain Germany against Serbia on Thursday in Joshua Kimmich’s absence, according to Bild.
Kimmich was included in the first of two squads called up by Germany coach Klopp and has now headed back home, with the second squad taking over.
Klopp announced on Wednesday that the player with the most international appearances would wear the captain’s armband. That player will be 31-year-old Gnabry, who has represented Germany 61 times.
The report also states that Gnabry’s Bayern teammate, 18-year-old Lennart Karl, will start the game on the bench.
Germany’s manager is Klopp, who is using a 4-3-3 formation. Serbia’s manager is Veljko Paunovic, who is using a 4-4-2 formation. The match is part of the UEFA Nations League. Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
