Goretzka misses Klopp's debut in Nations League after Villa pause

The 31‑year‑old football international and midfielder Leon Goretzka is expected not to be available for Jürgen Klopp's debut as national team coach in the Nations League. After his move to Premier League club Aston Villa, he has to take a forced break because his body is reacting to the increased workload.

Instagram statement on the break

On Instagram, Goretzka explained that the short break is necessary to return to top form after the intense workload. “It’s frustrating, but I need this break now,” he wrote, while the t‑online editorial team asked for your consent to display the post on the day.

The move to Premier League club Aston Villa took place at the end of August, after his contract with FC Bayern Munich had expired in the summer. Goretzka emphasized that he feels immediately at the right place in the new club and wants to give everything for Villa.

German media predict three-way points race in Nations League group

The absence of the 73‑time international has clear consequences for the national team, as Jürgen Klopp will have to make his squad selection for the Nations League debut on September 17 without Goretzka.

The German team will play on September 24 initially in the Netherlands, followed by home matches against Greece and Serbia and an away fixture in Greece. Without Goretzka, the starting eleven for these encounters remains incomplete. No alternative remains but to plan the lineup without him.

This shows that the physical strain after a club transfer can weigh more heavily than the expectations for the Nations League debut, and the DFB must plan without the key player.