Germany’s coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed confidence on Thursday in Newcastle’s forward Nick Woltemade to spearhead their attack amidst injuries, as the team aims to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Germany will play Luxembourg away on Friday, followed by a crucial home match against Slovakia on Monday, which is likely to decide direct qualification for the tournament.
At 23, Woltemade has appeared in only six matches for Germany since his debut in June and scored his first goal for the national team in October, securing a 1-0 win against Northern Ireland.
“He’s crucial for us now due to injuries in his position and his exceptional skills,” Nagelsmann stated.
“He’s indispensable at the moment, contributing significantly in pressing, ball retention, and goal-scoring,” he added.
Standing 1.98 meters tall, Woltemade has impressed since joining Newcastle over the summer, netting goals in four of his first five Premier League appearances.
“He’s found the net multiple times, endearing himself to the fans, and he’s thriving in the city,” Nagelsmann remarked.
“The current situation is favorable for both Nick and the team,” he concluded.
Captain Joshua Kimmich was ruled out for the Luxembourg match due to an ankle injury, adding to Nagelsmann’s growing list of injured players.
Bayern Munich’s Jonathan Tah will lead Germany in Kimmich’s stead.
Key players like Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Nico Schlotterbeck, Antonio Rudiger, Niclas Fuellkrug, and Tim Kleindienst are sidelined with injuries, while Karim Adeyemi is suspended for Friday’s game due to yellow cards.
After a surprising 2-0 defeat to Slovakia in Bratislava during their first match in September, Germany has regained form with three consecutive wins.
Germany shares points with Slovakia in their World Cup qualifying group, leading on goal difference.
Slovakia, hosting Northern Ireland on Friday, will then travel to Leipzig on Monday for a decisive match against Germany to determine the Group A leader.
No team can secure qualification before Monday’s showdown regardless of Friday’s outcomes.
Only the group leader will earn a guaranteed spot in next year’s finals in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.
Luxembourg has lost all four of their World Cup qualifying matches, including a 4-0 defeat to Germany in October.
Germany, a four-time World Cup champion, has never missed qualifying for the tournament.
