Klopp calls up Baku and Gruda for Germany

Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp has recalled RB Leipzig defender Ridle Baku to the national team after Borussia Dortmund center-back Waldemar Anton withdrew from the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Serbia and the Netherlands.

Dortmund confirmed Sunday afternoon that the 30-year-old would be unavailable for international duty due to muscular problems.

The German Football Association subsequently announced that Baku would replace Anton in Klopp’s squad for the November international break.

The development comes just three days after Klopp announced his original 24-man squad for the fixtures.

Baku was among several prominent players omitted from the original selection, despite featuring in Klopp’s first Germany squad during the September and October international window.

The 28-year-old did not log any minutes in Klopp’s first four fixtures in charge of Die Nationalmannschaft, but he now has another chance to impress the new head coach.

Baku has recently demonstrated his attacking qualities at club level, scoring in Wednesday’s 3-2 Champions League defeat against Manchester City.

He also started Saturday’s 5-2 Bundesliga victory over Augsburg, continuing his strong run of form for Leipzig.

Overall, Baku has scored three goals and contributed one assist in 13 appearances for Leipzig across all competitions this season, underlining his value as an attacking full-back.

His Leipzig teammate Brajan Gruda will also join Klopp’s squad following an outstanding individual performance in Saturday’s 5-2 victory over Augsburg.

The 22-year-old attacking midfielder recorded two assists within two minutes, setting up Ezechiel Banzuzi’s 34th-minute equalizer before providing an excellent chipped pass for Christopher Nkunku to put Leipzig ahead.

Gruda ultimately finished the game with five chances created, ten successful dribbles from eleven attempts, and eleven successful ground duels from thirteen contests.

He was subsequently voted the Bundesliga’s Player of the Match for his dazzling display.

Gruda’s inclusion rewards his growing influence at Leipzig, while Baku’s recall highlights Klopp’s willingness to turn to in-form players.

Germany will hope both Leipzig stars carry their club form onto the international stage as Klopp continues to shape his squad ahead of the Nations League fixtures.