Jurgen Klopp has brought Florian Wirtz into the Germany squad earlier than expected due to injuries. The Liverpool star was included in the group of players set to feature in the second half of the extended international break, with Klopp choosing to name 44 players in two separate squads.
The first group took on the Netherlands and Greece this week, with the others facing the latter and Serbia in Nations League action the following week. Klopp's first game in charge of his national team came against the Dutch on Thursday evening and ended level courtesy of a late Cody Gakpo equaliser.
Injuries force early call-up
Both before and during the game, injury struck Klopp's side as Jamal Musiala suffered an issue in the warm-up while Kai Havertz was forced off in the first half with a hamstring injury.
According to Sky Sports Germany, both attackers have now left camp and been replaced by Wirtz and Eintracht Frankfurt's Jonathan Burkardt, who were both included in the squad Klopp selected for the second week of games.
Wirtz's difficult start at Liverpool
The early arrival of Wirtz may not be what those associated with Liverpool wanted to see, but working closely alongside Klopp for an extended period could be exactly what he needs. It has been a difficult start to the 2026/27 season for the 23-year-old despite Liverpool going unbeaten in their first seven games. Wirtz has started all but one of those games, but has managed just a singular assist.
His recent display against Bournemouth caused significant concern in the eyes of Jamie Carragher, who did not hold back on his overall feelings of the player. He said on a Sky Sports podcast: "That was one of the poorest I've ever seen him in a Liverpool shirt.
"I've been critical of the fact that he hasn't got the numbers. But normally when you watch Wirtz, he's neat and tidy, he keeps possession, there's things that you like. He gets out of a tight situation where you're normally expecting your player to lose the ball.
"But the reason I worry is, I don't think Wirtz is in poor form since he came to Liverpool. I actually think what we're seeing is what he is. And I was worried for Wirtz probably 12 months ago.
"And maybe that was a little bit early to say that, but I didn't say it. It was just in the back of my head. I commentated on Liverpool away at Burnley and Liverpool won with a late penalty from Mo Salah. And when I was watching that game it was what I've seen for the last 12 months.
"I don't see how he's going to hurt you. It's just neat and tidy. And in some way, the price tag for that type of player should be half of what Liverpool have paid. The worry for Wirtz now is that his performances so far, or what he's given Liverpool, is so low.
"Where we were expecting him was to take Liverpool to another league title, to take Liverpool to a Champions League. The gap he's got to get to almost justify what people were expecting, I almost think is too big. You can't get there. Even if he improves a bit and gets there, it's still not what Liverpool thought they were getting."
