Kimmich to miss Germany’s World Cup Qualifier against Luxembourg with ankle Injury

Germany have confirmed that captain Joshua Kimmich will miss Thursday’s World Cup qualifier against Luxembourg after sustaining an ankle injury in training.

The German Football Federation’s official statement explained: “Our captain picked up a capsule injury in his right ankle during yesterday’s session. He will travel with the squad to Luxembourg tomorrow but will not feature in the match.”

Kimmich, 29, has been ever-present in Germany’s four qualifiers to date, logging every minute in a defensive role rather than his usual midfield position. He is joint-top scorer in the campaign with two goals, both netted in October’s 4-0 rout of Luxembourg, level with Serge Gnabry.

Julian Nagelsmann’s side lead Group A on nine points from four games, tied with Slovakia, while Northern Ireland sit third on six. Luxembourg remain pointless, having scored once and conceded heavily, including that earlier defeat to Germany.

With Kimmich sidelined, RB Leipzig’s Ridle Baku emerges as the frontrunner to deputise at right-back, though Borussia Dortmund’s Waldemar Anton provides another viable alternative for Nagelsmann.

Bayern Munich, currently atop the Bundesliga, will monitor the situation closely. Kimmich’s availability is crucial for a demanding November schedule that culminates in a Champions League clash at Arsenal on November 26.

Despite the setback, Germany are heavy favourites to extend their unbeaten run against a Luxembourg side yet to register a point or a clean sheet in the group.

Nico Schlotterbeck is another player who has been ruled out for the Luxembourg game. With the 25-year-old’s absence, Dortmund teammate Waldemar Anton is likely to start ahead of Schlotterbeck alongside Jonathan Tah.

Nadiem Amiri has also withdrawn from the German national team through injury, which has seen a first call-up for RB Leipzig’s Assan Ouédraogo.