Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann says injuries mean opportunity for other players

Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann prefers to view his side’s lengthy injury list as an opportunity for other players rather than a headache for him heading into their Nations League matches.

Nagelsmann’s men go into Friday’s clash with Bosnia and Herzegovina sitting top of Group A3 with four points following a win over Hungary and a draw with second-placed Netherlands.

However, they are without a host of established players for both the trip to Zenica and Monday’s crunch visit of the Netherlands to Munich, with the likes of Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Jamal Musiala, Robin Koch, David Raum, Benjamin Henrichs and Kai Havertz all absent.

That means players such as Jamie Leweling, Jonathan Burkardt, Kevin Schade and Robin Gosens could get a chance to stake their claims after being called into the senior squad.

Nagelsmann told a press conference: “There are two sides and possibilities. One is to constantly talk about and complain about how many players are out. The other is to transfer the mood that was recently in the team to those who are now there.

“The players should show that they are proud to play for Germany and that they give it their all in terms of character.

“For the players who are new or who have played less recently, it’s a chance to get playing time.”

Germany will be without Ter Stegen after the 32-year-old goalkeeper suffered a serious knee injury while playing for Barcelona.

Nagelsmann wanted to call up Bernd Leno to his latest squad but the Fulham keeper, 32, declined.

The Germany boss said in quotes reported by Kicker: “It’s relatively simple. Bernd made demands in the talks that I cannot fulfil.

“I showed him a very interesting perspective, which is not in the short term, but in the medium term. But the player was not so happy with that that he decided not to come now. In the end, everyone has to know how they want to do it. Bernd has decided this way.

“I’m not closing the door, but it hasn’t opened any further either.”

Bosnia are third in Group A3 with one point, the same as Hungary.