Julian Nagelsmann has to clarify important personnel issues ahead of the decisive qualifier against Slovakia. The focus is particularly on Joshua Kimmich. The ailing Bayern professional is worried about playing. Now the national coach has commented on his chances of playing.
As Nagelsmann announced at the DFB press conference before the game, Kimmich’s start against Slovakia is still on the cards – despite a slight all-clear in the days before: „We want to decide on Josh tomorrow. We have good doctors and good physios, but it’s about the pain and how he feels. Josh doesn’t want to miss the game, so I assume that he will play.“ Kimmich did not take part in team training on Sunday and trained individually.
The 30-year-old had previously suffered a capsule injury in his right ankle during training. The DFB have already assessed the injury as not serious, and Kimmich himself was also combative: „I’ll do my best to be back on the pitch on Monday.“
Although Kimmich was absent from the previous match in Luxembourg, he travelled with the team and took on responsibility off the pitch. He is not only important in sporting terms – his leadership qualities also make him a key factor during injury breaks. Nagelsmann underlined this: „He has the gift of leading a team even when he is not playing.“
Nagelsmann gives the all-clear for BVB star
The number of absentees in the national team is currently increasing, with ter Stegen, Rüdiger, Musiala, Havertz and Füllkrug still missing. Nico Schlotterbeck was also injured, but Nagelsmann was optimistic: „Schlotti is fine, he will train normally today and I assume that he will play.“
The clash with Slovakia is about the World Cup ticket for the 2026 finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico. The national coach emphasised the importance of the game: „It’s about having a plan and preparing the team well. The players are focused and determined to win. A little nervousness before a game like this is normal.“
Despite his injury, Kimmich is likely to do everything in his power to take his place in midfield. Under Vincent Kompany, he is also the undisputed starter at FC Bayern. A prolonged absence would have far-reaching consequences not only for the national team, but also for Munich – but at the moment, everything indicates that it won’t come to that.
