Nico Schlotterbeck ruled out as Jurgen Klopp suffers Germany injury blow

Jurgen Klopp will be without Nico Schlotterbeck for Germany’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Serbia after the Borussia Dortmund defender was ruled out with an injury.

Schlotterbeck was forced to cut short Wednesday’s training session after going down in pain. He covered his face as Klopp moved quickly across to check on the defender, who had been expected to play a key part in Germany’s new-look defence.

The injury leaves Klopp with another selection issue to resolve before Thursday’s match in Munich. Germany are still waiting for their first victory since the former Liverpool manager took charge of the national team.

Schlotterbeck had been one of six players selected in Klopp’s first-choice group and was regarded as an important part of the coach’s plans at the back. His absence means Finn Jeltsch is now in contention to replace him and could make his senior international debut.

Jeltsch is one of up to nine players from Klopp’s second group who may receive their first senior caps. The Germany coach is continuing to assess his squad while attempting to develop a team for the future.

“Now the next group is coming in. They’re rested, so we can do a little more,” Klopp said.

The latest change comes as Klopp attempts to improve Germany’s results after a difficult start to his tenure. His first match ended in a 1-1 draw away to the Netherlands, before Germany suffered a disappointing 1-0 home defeat by Greece.

Schlotterbeck’s injury further reduces Klopp’s options for the Serbia fixture and adds to the uncertainty surrounding the defensive line-up he will select in Munich.