Overview

• DFB sport director Rudi Völler said a Manuel Neuer recall is “not a topic,” with the 39-year-old having reiterated his international retirement.
• Marc-André ter Stegen remains sidelined by a back problem until around year-end, and Völler stressed he must secure regular top-level minutes to reclaim the No. 1 shirt.
• Oliver Baumann continues as the starter, with Finn Dahmen and Alexander Nübel also called up for the qualifiers against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.
• Matthias Sammer warned against foregoing top players and urged Julian Nagelsmann to prioritize continuity and trust as he seeks stability.
• After a 0–2 loss to Slovakia and a labored 3–1 win over Northern Ireland, Germany enters this window under scrutiny, with injuries to Jamal Musiala, Antonio Rüdiger, Kai Havertz and Tim Kleindienst compounding selection issues.