Nico Schlotterbeck to return to national team for October qualifiers

The Borussia Dortmund defender has been one of the brightest young defenders in Germany over the past few years. Nico Schlotterbeck has been an excellent addition to the Black and Yellow club, however, has never been given the keys to the national team thus far. With Tah and Rüdiger’s regression showing, 2025 was the year that Schlotterbeck was primed to become that defensive leader, however, a serious injury kept him from that role as he was emerging has the clear starting defender.

That will now change as Julian Nagelsmann has told Sky, “He’ll definitely be there, and he’s also deserved it,” as captured by @iMiaSanMia. The full squad announcement will be made on Thursday, October 2nd. It is clear that this will be a crucial window for Nagelsmann’s side as September’s results were deeply disappointing.

With time ticking before next year’s World Cup, Nagelsmann needs to decide on his squad, and keep that core together until the tournament. Apart from injuries, many expect a big change up in terms of talent that Nagelsmann will now lean on before Germany hopefully plays at next year’s World Cup.

Schlotterbeck will not only be a part of that side, but is expected to be in a starting role in that backline. Fans will remember Schlotterbeck’s Man of the Match worthy performance against Denmark in the Euro 2024 before being shockingly excluded for Jonathan Tah in the match against Spain. Hopefully Nagelsmann won’t make that mistake again.