Serbia v Germany: Vlahovic absence adds to pressure on Klopp’s side

Serbia host Germany at Belgrade’s Rajko Mitic Stadium on Friday, 13 November, in the fifth matchday of the UEFA Nations League group stage.

The fixture is crucial for both teams, with Germany’s difficult start under manager Jurgen Klopp leaving them at risk of relegation if Serbia claim victory in the closing stages of the group campaign.

Both sides have been affected by absences ahead of a meeting that could have a major influence on their positions in the competition.

Serbia

Serbia will be without their leading striker Dusan Vlahovic, who was ruled out at the beginning of the week.

Their midfield has also been weakened by suspension. Nemanja Maksimovic and Stefan Gudelj are both unavailable after receiving enough yellow cards to trigger bans.

Despite those setbacks, Serbia are expected to line up with two forwards, with Mihajlo Cvetkovic and Luka Jovic likely to lead the attack.

The probable Serbia XI is:

Goalkeeper: Vanja Milinkovic-Savic

Defenders: Nikola Milenkovic, Srđan Babic, Strahinja Erakovic

Midfielders: Kosta Nedeljkovic, Andrija Zivkovic, Sasa Lukic, Lazar Samardzic, Filip Kostic

Forwards: Mihajlo Cvetkovic, Luka Jovic

Germany

Germany will travel to Belgrade without Jamal Musiala, who is injured and unavailable for this international window.

There was also a surprise omission from the squad, with Germany manager leaving Karim Adeyemi out for the important away match.

Marc ter Stegen is expected to start in goal, while Philipp Treu, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck and Nathaniel Brown are set to form the defence.

Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic and Felix Nmecha are likely to operate in midfield. Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz and Derry Scherhant are named as the probable attacking trio.

The probable Germany XI is:

Goalkeeper: Marc ter Stegen

Defenders: Philipp Treu, Jonathan Tah, Nico Schlotterbeck, Nathaniel Brown

Midfielders: Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Felix Nmecha

Forwards: Florian Wirtz, Kai Havertz, Derry Scherhant

Germany’s visit to Serbia is the fifth Nations League match for both teams, with the outcome potentially decisive for their prospects in the group and Germany’s position in the competition.