Bad kick fuels doubts as Klopp’s debut sees early Havertz substitution
On Thursday evening, Jürgen Klopp’s debut (Debüt) as Germany’s head coach turned chaotic when Jamal Musiala was forced out just before kickoff and, a half‑hour later, striker Kai Havertz collapsed after a hard challenge from the Dutch side Oranje. The DFB medical team gave the Zeichen for a substitution in the 30th minute, bringing on Younes Ebnoutalib of Eintracht Frankfurt.
Injury cascade forces early change
Musiala’s warm‑up was halted by a muscle problem, forcing Klopp to drop the Bayern Munich playmaker from the starting eleven. Instead, Mainz midfielder Nadiem Amiri was thrust into the German midfield at short notice.
Around the 30th minute, Havertz went down after a hard challenge from Dutch defender Quinten Timber of Crystal Palace, a “Böser Tritt” that struck above the knee. The DFB medical staff raised the Zeichen and substituted him for Younes Ebnoutalib of Eintracht Frankfurt.
Klopp defends Van Dijk as Dutch press criticism looms before Nations League clash
The Arsenal striker has begun the 2026/27 season strongly, scoring three times in his first seven league appearances. He earned his 63rd cap in Amsterdam and had featured four times in the ill‑fated 2026 World Cup, netting three goals.
These early setbacks underline the precarious start to Klopp’s tenure with the German side. Both Teams will now be examined for player welfare as the Nations League campaign continues.
Arsenal worry grows as Havertz exits early in Nations League clash