Manchester City’s Ortega Receives First Germany Call Up

Manchester City goalkeeper, Stefan Ortega has earned his first call-up to the German national team, as coach Julian Nagelsmann announced his Nations League squad on Thursday.

The 32-year-old was called up alongside Stuttgart’s Alexander Nuebel and Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann as goalkeepers in the 23-man squad.

Germany’s number one goalkeeper, Barcelona’s Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, is still out with a serious knee injury.

Borussia Dortmund midfield duo Julian Brandt and Felix Nmecha have also been recalled to the squad.

Brandt has not played for Germany since November last year while Nmecha received his one international cap under former coach Hansi Flick in March 2023.

Germany hosts Bosnia and Herzegovina in Freiburg on November 16 and plays away against Hungary in Budapest three days later.

The Germans have already qualified for the Nations League quarter-finals with three wins and a draw this campaign.

“After reaching the quarter-finals early, we want to win our Nations League group – if possible in front of our fans at the home game in Freiburg,” Nagelsmann said on Thursday.

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

West Ham forward Niclas Fuellkrug, Stuttgart’s Jamie Leweling, Bayern midfielder Aleksander Pavlovic and winger Leroy Sane, Dortmund defender Waldemar Anton and RB Leipzig’s David Raum are all absent.

“We have a strong squad, even if we have to restructure in some positions due to injuries,” added Nagelsmann.

“Leroy Sane needs more match practice and rhythm after his break. Felix Nmecha has stabilized at BVB and, like Julian Brandt, is back after recent good performances.”