Nagelsmann lauds in-form Woltemade as injury-hit Germany prepare for Luxembourg
Julian Nagelsmann will likely rely on Nick Woltemade leading the line when Germany travel to Luxembourg on Friday.
Nick Woltemade's impressive start to life at Newcastle United has him in "high demand" for Germany ahead of their World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg.
That was the message from boss Julian Nagelsmann, whose side sit level on points with second-placed Slovakia in Group A, heading into Friday's clash.
Woltemade will be expected to lead the line and is in fine form, having scored four times in eight Premier League matches since leaving Stuttgart for Newcastle.
Kai Havertz, Jamal Musiala, Niclas Fullkrug and Tim Kleindienst are all injured, while Karim Adeyemi is suspended, leaving the pressure on Woltemade's shoulders.
"Right now he's super important because we've got a few players out injured in that position and because he's a very good player," Nagelsmann said at Thursday's pre-match press conference.
"He's in high demand for us right now because he's doing well, he's important in pressing, in holding onto the ball and in scoring goals.
"He's scored several times already. He's popular with the fans. He feels comfortable in the city [Newcastle]. Right now the situation is good for Nick and good for us too."
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Nico Schlotterbeck and Antonio Rudiger will also be missing at the back for Germany.
Captain Joshua Kimmich has also been ruled out with an ankle injury, becoming the latest player to join Nagelsmann's ever-growing injury list.
Jonathan Tah will captain his country in Kimmich's absence, and Nagelsmann feels the Bayern Munich defender will prove a capable deputy.
"Before the Nations League, we appointed a team council – there aren't many left," the Germany boss added. "Jona is the one who's been promoted.
"He deserves it because of his performances and his position. He's become very consistent and is having a very good season."
Nagelsmann hopes both Kimmich and Schlotterbeck will return before Monday's huge clash with Slovakia, which will likely decide who finishes top of the pool.
Kimmich will be replaced at right-back by RB Leipzig's Ridle Baku against Luxembourg, at least, though it remains unclear who will partner Tah at centre-back.
"He did very well in the last training camp and is a regular starter at RB," Nagelsmann said of Baku before discussing his centre-back dilemma.
"There's a preference, but I'm not revealing it yet."
