DFB Squad leaks | VfB Stuttgart’s Finn Jeltsch set for first Germany call-up while Deniz Undav remains behind

DFB Squad leaks | VfB Stuttgart’s Finn Jeltsch set for first Germany call-up while Deniz Undav remains behind Further details concerning Jürgen Klopp’s first Germany squad continue to emerge ahead of Thursday morning’s official announcement. Get German Football News reported earlier on Wednesday that Klopp is expected to work with an unusually large group for the forthcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. Reports have since linked several more players with places in the new Bundestrainer’s first squad, while a number of notable omissions have also emerged. Germany’s goalkeeper picture begins to take shape Marc-André ter Stegen is reportedly set to return as Germany’s No. 1. Sport Bild reports that Klopp intends to restore the Ajax keeper to the starting role following his recovery from a lengthy injury spell. Behind him, Bayern Munich’s Jonas Urbig and Augsburg’s Finn Dahmen are both expected to receive call-ups. Eintracht Frankfurt’s Noah Atubolu is also expected to be included, according to the tabloid. Atubolu has previously received senior Germany call-ups but remains uncapped. Alexander Nübel is also mentioned as another candidate for the enlarged squad. One goalkeeper apparently not involved is Oliver Baumann. Sport Bild reports that Klopp has opted not to select the Hoffenheim captain, who served as Germany’s regular No. 1 in ter Stegen’s absence, yet ultimately made way for the previously retired Manuel Neuer shortly before the recent World Cup. Four Stuttgart players reportedly receive call-ups VfB Stuttgart are expected to supply a sizeable contingent. According to Sport Bild , centre-back Finn Jeltsch is in line for his first senior Germany nomination. The 20-year-old helped Germany win both the U17 European Championship and U17 World Cup in 2023 before establishing himself in Stuttgart’s first team. Jeltsch has also been capped six times for Germany at U21 level. Maximilian Mittelstädt, Josha Vagnoman and Chris Führich are all reportedly set to return to the squad as well. Both Vagnoman and Führich featured during Germany’s March international break. Their performances, along with those of several other Stuttgart internationals, were assessed in GGFN’s March Germany report card . Stuttgart captain Deniz Undav will reportedly not join them. Sky Germany reports that Klopp personally informed Undav of his omission. The 30-year-old has nine goals in 13 senior international appearances and scored three times for Germany at this summer’s World Cup. Undav’s relationship with his previous national-team role was a recurring discussion during Nagelsmann’s final months in charge . Kimmich remains captain as Klopp considers right-back options One significant tactical change also appears to be taking shape. Sport Bild reports that Joshua Kimmich will remain Germany captain, but Klopp plans to move the Bayern Munich veteran back into central midfield. That decision naturally creates another question at right-back. RB Leipzig’s Ridle Baku and Eintracht Frankfurt youngster Elias Baum are both reportedly among the options under consideration. Baum has started the new Bundesliga season strongly after injuries limited him to only 71 league minutes last year. Frankfurt head coach Adi Hütter publicly backed the academy product during preseason and ruled out a summer departure . Everton’s Merlin Röhl could reportedly also be considered after spending more time at right-back, while Karlsruhe youngster Rafael Pinto Pedrosa is said to feature in Klopp’s thinking. Freiburg defender Philipp Treu has meanwhile confirmed direct contact with the new national-team coach. Treu told Sky Germany that Klopp contacted him to arrange a FaceTime conversation in which the pair discussed Klopp’s ideas and plans. The Freiburg player stopped short of confirming that he had received a nomination. Burkardt expected back, Ouédraogo unavailable Eintracht Frankfurt striker Jonathan Burkardt is also reportedly set to return to the national team. Burkardt endured a difficult injury-interrupted 2025/26 campaign but eventually worked his way back into regular action. His Bundesliga comeback following a lengthy absence came in February. One midfielder Klopp will not be able to consider is RB Leipzig’s Assan Ouédraogo. The 20-year-old suffered another shoulder injury during Leipzig’s 5-0 Bundesliga victory over Hamburger SV and requires surgery. Ouédraogo, who scored minutes into his senior Germany debut last November, has experienced repeated injury setbacks during his rapid rise. GGFN recently detailed the youngster’s difficult injury history . Klopp will officially present his first Germany squad at the DFB headquarters in Frankfurt on Thursday morning. Germany then face the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia across four Nations League fixtures beginning on September 24th. GGFN  |  Peter Weis