Germany hit by Nico Schlotterbeck injury ahead of Nations League clash vs Serbia

The Borussia Dortmund defender was forced to leave training early on Wednesday after going down in pain. Schlotterbeck covered his face as Klopp quickly moved over to check on his defensive leader.

His absence leaves Klopp with another problem to solve before Thursday's match in Munich, where Germany will be looking for their first victory since the former Liverpool manager took charge.

Schlotterbeck had been one of six players included in Klopp's first-choice group and was expected to play an important role in the new-look Germany defence.

Finn Jeltsch is now in line to replace him and could make his international debut as Klopp continues to assess his options.

Jeltsch is among as many as nine players from Klopp's second group who could be handed their first senior caps as the Germany coach looks to build a squad for the future.

"Now the next group is coming in. They're rested, so we can do a little more," Klopp said.

The changes come at a difficult time for Germany. Klopp's reign has started with a 1-1 draw away to the Netherlands before a disappointing 1-0 home defeat against Greece.

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