Question marks in the national team
DFB goalkeeper can train – fears for star striker
October 8, 2025 – 4:30 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Oliver Baumann is back on the pitch after recovering from nausea. The game against Luxembourg threatens to come too early for another national player.
Two days before the home game in Sinsheim, it remains unclear whether Nick Woltemade will be fit in time. The 23-year-old had to miss out on regular team training again on Wednesday. Instead, the Newcastle United attacker only completed an individual program at the DFB ground in Herzogenaurach.
Woltemade arrived late to the quarters due to illness – he is now running out of time. On Friday evening (8:45 p.m./ARD) the national team will face Luxembourg in the World Cup qualifiers.
Oliver Baumann, however, was able to fully return to training. The TSG Hoffenheim goalkeeper complained of feeling unwell after his arrival in Franconia and was sidelined on Tuesday. A day later, the 34-year-old was back on the pitch with his colleagues Alexander Nübel, Finn Dahmen and the late nominee Noah Atubolu.
Jamie Leweling, who was also injured, was not there on Wednesday. The VfB Stuttgart winger complained about problems with his adductors. Kevin Schade, also nominated later, is considered a possible replacement and took part in the session with the 20 field players.
National coach Julian Nagelsmann is preparing the selection for the second home game of the qualification in Herzogenaurach until Thursday. This will be followed by a trip to Northern Ireland on Sunday. The next game is on Monday evening (8.45 p.m./RTL).
After two games, the German team is only in third place in qualifying group A with three points. Only the first-place winner will receive a direct ticket to the World Cup. Second place leads to the playoffs in March.