Kimmich to Miss World Cup Qualifier Against Luxembourg

Germany will face Luxembourg in their upcoming World Cup qualifying fixture without the leadership of captain Joshua Kimmich. The German Football Association has confirmed that Kimmich suffered a training injury and will be unavailable for this crucial match. This news is particularly significant as both teams prepare for a high-stakes game.

Head coach Julian Nagelsmann is also contending with the absence of starting center-back Nico Schlotterbeck. During the last international break, Kimmich once again took on the role of Nagelsmann’s starting right back.

Nagelsmann faced considerable challenges in September when he attempted to position young Eintracht Frankfurt talent Nnamdi Collins at right back. Borussia Dortmund’s Waldemar Anton, who has some experience in this position, was utilized in prior matches that Germany would prefer to forget. Additionally, moving either David Raum or Nathaniel Brown to the right side poses a greater risk, as does repositioning versatile wingers like Jamie Leweling or Karim Adeyemi to defensive roles.

Fortunately for German fans, it appears that Ridle Baku, a popular returnee to the national team, will have the opportunity to establish himself at right back. Baku was briefly deployed by Nagelsmann during the September international break, although he played as an attacker higher up the pitch.

The 27-year-old has started all ten league fixtures this season at right back for RB Leipzig. The DFB recently showcased both Baku and his Leipzig teammate during a press event, highlighting their prior collaboration on Stefan Kuntz’s U21 team, which won the 2021 UEFA U21 European Championship. Germany’s second World Cup qualifier during the current international break, against Slovakia, is scheduled to be held at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.

“It’s a great feeling to be back with the German national team,” Baku stated during the press event on Tuesday. “It’s great that we trained in Wolfsburg, where I used to play, and we will head to Leipzig later. It was nice to see some familiar faces in Wolfsburg. I’m looking forward to contributing to the national team, even if I’m not on the field.”

“David and I have known each other since our time in the U17 and U19 teams,” Baku remarked about his club and national teammate. “Back when he was at Fürth and I was at Mainz, he has made remarkable progress both as a player and as a person.”