Germany’s preparations for their upcoming UEFA Nations League clash against the Netherlands have been disrupted by an injury to striker Niclas Fullkrug. The 31-year-old, who recently joined West Ham United, sustained an Achilles tendon injury during the weekend, leaving his participation in Tuesday’s match uncertain.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann acknowledged the injury during a press conference on Monday, stating, “It is not yet clear whether he can play.” Despite the setback, Nagelsmann indicated that Germany wouldn’t drastically change its lineup following their dominant 5-0 victory over Hungary in their opening Nations League fixture.
Fullkrug, who scored the opening goal in the comfortable win, might be replaced by the promising 20-year-old defensive midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic. Pavlovic impressed during his substitute appearance against Hungary, scoring his second international goal in only his second cap.
While Fullkrug’s injury adds a layer of uncertainty to the Netherlands match, Nagelsmann also addressed concerns surrounding the future of goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen with the national team.
Ter Stegen expressed his potential discouragement after being initially told that veteran goalkeeper Manfred Neuer would be Germany’s first-choice keeper for the upcoming European Championship. With Neuer’s retirement from international football, ter Stegen was reinstated as the starting goalkeeper. However, the 32-year-old Barcelona captain admitted to considering quitting the team during his long wait for his chance.
Nagelsmann acknowledged the validity of ter Stegen’s feelings, explaining that he had informed the goalkeeper about the team’s decision to select Neuer for the Euros in March. “The conversation wasn’t particularly pleasant. Marc took it well and accepted the decision. But I was briefly concerned that he would say I’m not going along with it. That would have been a shame.”
Nagelsmann expressed hope that ter Stegen would remain committed to the team, stating, “I hope that Marc stays healthy and that he really gets into it in the two years leading up to the World Cup and then plays a good World Cup. Marc played a very good game against Hungary. He is a very important player for us because he has been with Barcelona for years and has a responsible position there as captain.”
The Nations League match against the Netherlands is set to be a critical encounter for Germany as they aim to make a strong start in the group stage. While the injury to Fullkrug poses a challenge, the team’s overall confidence and ter Stegen’s recent performance provide a reason for optimism heading into the match.
