Borussia Dortmund defender Waldemar Anton has withdrawn from Jürgen Klopp’s Germany squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures due to muscular problems.
- Anton stays in Dortmund during the international break, giving his club’s medical staff time to evaluate his muscle issue ahead of the Bundesliga restart.
- Ridle Baku slots into the 24-man squad as a direct replacement, shifting the defensive depth chart for the upcoming fixtures.
- Finn Jeltsch moves up as the spare centre-half option while Baku covers the defensive flank.
The German Football Federation announced on Sunday that the 30-year-old centre-back cannot take part in the upcoming international matches. Goal.com reported that Anton is unavailable for head coach Jürgen Klopp’s two upcoming games because of the muscular issue.
Klopp reacted quickly by calling up RB Leipzig right-back Ridle Baku to fill the empty spot. Yahoo Sports noted that Baku will report for duty alongside the rest of the 24-man squad, shifting defensive duties across the backline.
🇩🇪 Waldemar Anton will withdraw from Germany squad for the games against Serbia and the Netherlands due to muscular problems [@berger_pj] pic.twitter.com/3NTcQewttq
Germany faces severe pressure as the Nations League group stage draws to a close. The squad sits third in the group standings, trailing both the Netherlands and Greece by three points.
To reach the next round, Klopp’s side must overtake either the Netherlands or Greece before the group stage concludes. Germany visits Serbia in Belgrade on November 13 before hosting the Netherlands in Berlin on November 16.
Bulinews reported that Anton has established himself as an important figure for Borussia Dortmund under Niko Kovac this season, featuring in every competitive match so far. His consistent performances have made him a regular starter and a key defensive leader.
That leadership became vital in the absence of the injured Nico Schlotterbeck. Anton played the full ninety minutes on Saturday as Dortmund secured a 2-1 victory over Elversberg at home in the Bundesliga.
Due to muscular problems, Waldemar Anton will not be travelling with the german national team. 🗞️ @berger_pj #BVB
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