Jürgen Klopp Faces Selection Dilemma with Assan Ouédraogo Injury

Jürgen Klopp’s first major selection headache as Germany manager has arrived before he has even named a squad.

According to reports from Foot Mercato, RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouédraogo is a serious doubt for Germany’s upcoming Nations League fixtures against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia after suffering a fresh shoulder injury.

The 20-year-old went down during Leipzig’s 5-0 demolition of Hamburg on Sunday. He started the game, but his afternoon ended abruptly in the 35th minute following a collision with Albert Grønbæk. He tried to continue. He couldn’t.

For Klopp, the timing is brutal. His first Germany squad is due to be announced next Thursday, a landmark moment in his tenure. Ouédraogo was widely expected to be in the conversation as one of the brightest midfield options of the new era.

Leipzig, though, are bracing themselves. Early fears inside the club suggest the problem could be linked to the same shoulder issue that kept the youngster out for the whole of last August.

“I think it’s the same injury. Things don’t look promising. We need him. He is an amazing talent, both for Germany and for our club,”

said Martín Demichelis, the Leipzig manager, who did not sugar-coat the situation.

That frustration is rooted in a bleak recent history. Since joining Leipzig in 2024, injuries have stalked Ouédraogo’s progress. The midfielder has already spent more than 380 days on the sidelines, a staggering figure for a player of his age and potential.

Now, just as a place in Klopp’s first Germany squad seemed within reach, he may be forced off the stage again for several weeks.