Overview
- Nineteen-year-old Said El Mala earns a first senior call-up after four goals and two assists in nine Bundesliga appearances, mostly as a substitute.
- Leroy Sané returns after his summer move to Galatasaray, with Nagelsmann citing strong Champions League and Süper Lig performances.
- Newcastle defender Malick Thiaw re-enters the squad after two years away as absences include Jamal Musiala, Kai Havertz, Niclas Füllkrug, Antonio Rüdiger and Marc-André ter Stegen.
- Germany visit Luxembourg on Nov. 14 before hosting Slovakia on Nov. 17; two wins would seal first place and direct qualification, with a playoff route otherwise in March that is already secured via the Nations League.
- Former internationals Dietmar Hamann and Oliver Kahn question whether El Mala’s promotion is premature, while Bayern teenager Lennart Karl is left out despite recent club form.