Stuttgart coach backs Nübel as Germany keeper, Zagadou injured again

VfB Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness has backed goalkeeper Alexander Nübel to be Germany's new number one.

Bayern Munich's 2014 World Cup-winning keeper Manuel Nuer has retired from international football and new first choice Marc-André ter Stegen is out for several months after injuring his knee playing for Barcelona.

The 27-year-old Nübel, on loan from Bayern, was a big factor in Stuttgart finishing a surprise second in the Bundesliga last term.

"Of course he has to be mentioned in the conversation," Hoeness told reporters on Thursday when asked about Nübel.

"He'd bring lots to the table as number one. I would trust him to do very well in the role."

Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann, previously coached by Hoeness, is another top contender having been the third goalkeeper at Euro 2024.

Fulham's Bernd Leno is another option for Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, who names his squad next Thursday for October's Nations League games in Bosnia Herzegovina and at home to the Dutch.

Also in the frame is Eintracht Frankfurt's Kevin Trapp, who like Leno has nine caps, the last one in November 2023. Trapp is currently sidelined with injury but told broadcasters RTL that it is "my ambition" to return into the national team through good performances.

Zagadou heartbreak

Stuttgart thrashed Borussia Dortmund 5-1 last weekend and visit Wolfsburg on Saturday looking for a third win from five league games.

Hoeness said defender Dan-Axel Zagadou has injured the lateral ligament in his right knee again and will not be available "for the time being."

He added: "This is very bitter for him and for us."

The French centre back sustained the injury during training on Wednesday.

At the end of January, Zagadou suffered a partially torn cruciate ligament and outer ligament damage in the same knee and only returned to the squad for the first time two weeks ago during Stuttgart's 3-1 victory at Borussia Mönchengladbach.

Hoeness said the 25-year-old's new injury is "not quite as dramatic as back then."

Zagadou struggled for form at previous club Dortmund but helped in Stuttgart's stunning campaign last term.

"The fact is, when 'Daxo' played, he was one of the top centre backs in the league," the coach added.

This is already the fifth serious knee injury in the defender's career.

Leonidas Stergiou, Justin Diehl and Ameen Al-Dakhil will also miss Saturday's game.