---
title: "Newcastle star Thiaw handed Germany opening as Klopp loses key defender"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2026/09/30/malick-thiaw-germany-schlotterbeck-injury-opportunity/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "James Chettle"
section: "Newcastle United News"
published: "2026-09-30T21:42:06Z"
modified: "2026-09-30T21:42:06Z"
---

# Newcastle star Thiaw handed Germany opening as Klopp loses key defender

Newcastle United defender Malick Thiaw could be handed a Germany starting opportunity after Nico Schlotterbeck withdrew through injury.

The Borussia Dortmund centre-back damaged ligaments in his right ankle during Wednesday’s final training session ahead of the Nations League meeting with Serbia.

The [German Football Association confirmed](https://www.dfb.de/news/ticker-zum-nations-league-auftakt-2026) that Schlotterbeck will miss both Thursday’s match in Munich and Sunday’s trip to Greece.

## Malick Thiaw among Germany’s replacement options

The withdrawal leaves Jürgen Klopp with a decision in central defence.

[Frankfurter Rundschau names Thiaw and Finn Jeltsch](https://www.fr.de/sport/fussball/muenchen-dfb-aufstellung-gegen-serbien-urbig-startet-wohl-in-94517044.html) as possible replacements, with Waldemar Anton expected to occupy the other centre-back position.

Thiaw’s selection is therefore a possibility rather than a confirmed decision.

The Newcastle defender joined Germany’s second group of players for the latter half of the international window. Nick Woltemade, currently on loan at Juventus, is also involved.

Klopp is seeking his first victory as Germany head coach after a 1-1 draw against the Netherlands and a 1-0 defeat by Greece.

## Newcastle defender could build on growing responsibility

Thiaw has already taken on additional responsibility at Newcastle this season.

He joined Dan Burn, Joelinton, Yoane Wissa and Lewis Miley in the club’s new leadership group.

A Germany start would offer another opportunity to establish himself internationally before Newcastle resume their Premier League campaign at Coventry City.

Germany face Serbia on Thursday 1 October at 7.45pm BST, followed by Greece on Sunday at the same time.

Our [Newcastle international tracker](https://readnewcastle.com/2026/09/26/newcastle-united-three-week-break-international-duty/) follows Thiaw, Woltemade and the other Magpies representing their countries.