Germany Shifts Gears as Kimmich Falls Injured, Depth Tested for Luxembourg Qualifier

Injury Forces Germany to Rethink Luxembourg Clash

The German national team faces a setback ahead of their World Cup qualifying fixture against Luxembourg, as captain Joshua Kimmich picked up a right ankle injury during yesterday’s training. He will travel with the squad to Luxembourg but will not take the field in Friday’s game, according to the German Football Association.

Kimmich took to social media to share a frank update, posting on Instagram that rehab is his current duty and promising to push for a return on Monday. The injury creates a depth test for the team and forces a rethink of the lineup ahead of a key qualifier in a tight group.

Ridle Baku is the likeliest candidate to fill the right-back/wing-back role, with Julian Nagelsmann reintroducing the 27-year-old from Leipzig in October after a longer spell out of the squad as a substitute for Kimmich.

Captaincy and Squad Depth

The absence of Kimmich also clears space in the captaincy rotation. With no clear deputies from Antonio Rüdiger and Kai Havertz in the current squad due to injuries, potential armband candidates include Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, and Jonathan Tah, while veteran goalkeeper Oliver Baumann, aged 35, remains the elder statesman in the group.

Statistically, Leroy Sane now leads the squad in appearances after Kimmich, with Sane on 70 caps while Kimmich sits on 105. Nagelsmann has also recalled Sane, who plays for Galatasaray, to the squad after a spell out of the lineup.

The provisional Germany lineup for the international window features no shortage of talent across all areas: in goal, in defense, in midfield, and in attack, the options give Nagelsmann flexibility as he navigates injuries and form while chasing a top finish in the European qualifiers.

Germany enter the current international break atop Group 1 with nine points from three victories and a single defeat. Slovakia trails on equal points, while Northern Ireland are currently in third with six points and Luxembourg sit at the bottom without a points haul. A path to the expanded 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada remains within reach, with two more wins potentially securing direct qualification.

Historically, Germany’s World Cup record is storied—four titles, tied with Italy for second most in history behind Brazil. Yet recent years have seen them stumble at major tournaments, including early exits in the 2018 World Cup, 2022 World Cup, and uneven runs in Euros. The current campaign’s form and personnel depth are seen as crucial in restoring the nation’s global standing.

Germany’s campaign so far has seen a loss away to Slovakia, followed by a home win against Northern Ireland, a four-goal thrashing of Luxembourg, and a 1-0 away win over Northern Ireland. With a strong finish in the next two fixtures, qualification could be secured, though a top spot is not guaranteed, leaving the door open for a playoff in March if necessary, a route already penciled in via the Nations League path.

As the squad contends with injuries and tactical choices, the German team remains confident in their ability to convert depth into results. The upcoming fixtures will test Nagelsmann’s plans and Germany’s readiness for a global tournament stage that demands both consistency and resilience.

Punchline time: If depth were a weapon, Germany just loaded a full-auto bazooka for Luxembourg. And if all else fails, remind the defense that “offside” is just a polite way of saying the ball hasn’t checked its calendar yet. Punchline two: Kimmich might be sidelined, but his comeback will be so smooth that even the ankle will applaud with a standing (or a wobbly) ovation.