Man City’s Ortega named in Germany’s Nations League squad

Manchester City goalkeeper Stefan Ortega has been called up to the German national team for the first time, as coach Julian Nagelsmann named him in the squad for upcoming Nations League matches.

The 32-year-old joins Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart) and Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim) as one of three goalkeepers in the 23-man roster.

This selection comes as Germany’s first-choice keeper, Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen, is currently sidelined with a serious knee injury, creating an opportunity for Ortega to step into the squad.

Alongside Ortega, Borussia Dortmund midfielders Julian Brandt and Felix Nmecha have also been recalled, adding fresh energy to the lineup.

Brandt’s last international appearance was in November 2023, while Nmecha made his debut under former coach Hansi Flick in March 2023.

Germany, who have already secured a place in the Nations League quarter-finals with three wins and a draw, will play Bosnia and Herzegovina in Freiburg on November 16 and face Hungary in Budapest three days later.

“After securing an early spot in the quarter-finals, we want to top our Nations League group – ideally in front of our home fans in Freiburg,” Nagelsmann said on Thursday.

In addition to Ter Stegen, Nagelsmann is also missing several players due to injuries.

West Ham forward Niclas Füllkrug, Stuttgart’s Jamie Leweling, Bayern midfielder Aleksander Pavlovic, winger Leroy Sané, Dortmund defender David Raum, and RB Leipzig’s David Raum are all unavailable.

“Leroy Sané needs more match practice and rhythm after his absence. Felix Nmecha has stabilised at BVB and, like Julian Brandt, returns following recent strong performances.”

According to German media reports on Thursday, 18-year-old midfielder Paul Wanner declined a call-up for the matches, opting to remain with the under-21s.

Wanner, who is on loan at Heidenheim from Bayern Munich, is eligible to play for both Austria and Germany but has yet to decide which nation he will represent at senior level.

Squad

Goalkeepers: Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart), Stefan Ortega (Manchester City/ENG)

Defenders: Robin Gosens (Fiorentina/ITA), Benjamin Henrichs (RB Leipzig), Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich), Robin Koch (Eintracht Frankfurt), Maximilian Mittelstädt (Stuttgart), Antonio Rüdiger (Real Madrid/ESP), Nico Schlotterbeck (Borussia Dortmund), Jonathan Tah (Bayer Leverkusen)

Midfielders: Robert Andrich (Bayer Leverkusen), Julian Brandt (Borussia Dortmund), Chris Führich (Stuttgart), Pascal Groß (Borussia Dortmund), Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich), Felix Nmecha (Borussia Dortmund), Angelo Stiller (Stuttgart), Florian Wirtz (Bayer Leverkusen)

Forwards: Serge Gnabry (Bayern Munich), Kai Havertz (Arsenal/ENG), Tim Kleindienst (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Deniz Undav (Stuttgart)