Jürgen Klopp's Early Challenges with Germany's Squad

Jürgen Klopp’s Germany plans have taken an early hit before he has even named a squad.

The new national team coach is preparing for his first set of Nations League fixtures against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia, but one of the brightest young names on his radar may already be out of contention.

According to Foot Mercato, RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouédraogo is in serious danger of missing Klopp’s first games in charge after suffering a fresh shoulder injury in Leipzig’s 5-0 demolition of Hamburg on Sunday.

The 20-year-old started the match but lasted only 35 minutes. A collision with Albert Grønbæk left him in clear discomfort, and he was forced off, cutting short what was meant to be another step in his progression rather than another setback.

The timing is brutal. Klopp is due to announce his first Germany squad next Thursday, a symbolic moment for the former Liverpool boss as he begins to shape the next era of the national team. Ouédraogo had been widely viewed as one of the young talents capable of injecting energy and creativity into the midfield pool.

Leipzig fear this is not just a minor knock. The problem is believed to be linked to the same shoulder issue that kept Ouédraogo out for the whole of last August, raising concerns that this could be another lengthy absence.

“I think it's the same injury. Things don't look promising. We need him. He is an amazing talent, both for Germany and for our club,” the Leipzig manager said.

For Ouédraogo, it is a grimly familiar story. Since joining Leipzig in 2024, injuries have stalked his young career. He has already spent more than 380 days on the sidelines, a staggering tally for a player of his age and profile.

Now he faces the prospect of several more weeks out, just when a door at international level seemed ready to open. For Klopp and Germany, it is an early reminder that rebuilding a team is never just about ideas on a tactics board. It also depends on who is still standing when the squad list is finally read out.