BVB Defender Anton Is Out — Klopp Brings in Baku

National team coach Jürgen Klopp will have to do without Waldemar Anton for the final international matches of the year. The 30-year-old center back from Borussia Dortmund will be unable to play in the national team’s matches in Serbia and against the Netherlands due to muscle problems, according to a statement from his club. 

Klopp reacted immediately to Anton’s absence and added Leipzig’s Ridle Baku (28) to his 24-player roster. 

This roster change also alters the role of Finn Jeltsch (20). The Stuttgart player had actually been named by Klopp as backup for Philipp Treu (25) at right back. Now he replaces Anton in central defense, while Baku is the new, nominal second right back. 

The national team is gathering this Monday in Herzogenaurach to prepare for the conclusion of the group stage in the Nations League. On Friday (8:45 p.m./RTL), Serbia will be the first opponent in Belgrade. Three days later, they’ll face the Netherlands at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium. 

Battle for a Spot in the Quarterfinals

Currently in third place in the standings, three points behind the Netherlands and Greece, the DFB squad is still fighting for a spot in the knockout round of the UEFA competition. Only the group winner and the second-place team advance to the quarterfinals. A third-place finish means facing the relegation playoffs, while a fourth-place finish could result in direct relegation.