ONE TOUCH SUMMARY
- Kai Havertz: Klopp indicates he is probably out while awaiting MRI results.
- Jamal Musiala: injury status uncertain as Klopp waits for MRI scans.
- Germany: 1-1 draw with Netherlands, injuries may affect squad selection.
ONE TOUCH INSIGHT
Klopp’s debut was a tactical draw, but the medical report is the real headline. A 1-1 result against the Netherlands is acceptable for a first game, but losing both Havertz and Musiala to injury would be a catastrophic blow to his attacking structure. These are not peripheral players; they are the primary creators and finishers in his system.
The argument is simple: a manager can adjust tactics for a specific opponent, but he cannot adjust for missing his two best forwards. If both MRIs confirm significant damage, Klopp’s early window to establish his identity is severely narrowed. He will be forced to rely on depth players who have not yet proven themselves at this level, or he will have to alter his formation entirely to accommodate the absence of his key personnel.
This is not about one match. It is about the foundation of his tenure. The concrete test arrives immediately when the squad trains. If the scans come back clean, the narrative is a scare. If they do not, the pressure shifts from performance to personnel management. The next training session will reveal whether Klopp has the depth to sustain his ambitions or if he is already facing a crisis of resources.
WHY IT MATTERS
The potential loss of Havertz and Musiala could weaken Germany’s midfield creativity and flexibility, raising concerns about squad depth and tactical options ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
Jamal Musiala
AM / LW
Germany
Strengths
- ✓Versatile midfield playmaker
- ✓Technical dribbling and vision
- ✓Goal threat from midfield
- ⚠Will MRI results confirm severity of injuries?
- ⚠How will absence affect Germany's tactical flexibility?
TACTICAL FIT
Both players provide key link‑up play and technical skill; their absence would force Klopp to adjust formations, possibly shifting to a more defensive setup or relying on less experienced midfielders.
THE DEBATE
Should Germany prioritize short‑term recovery over long‑term squad development?
play
Hutchison: Klopp to bring fight to Germany after Netherlands draw (1:43)
Tom Hamilton Sep 24, 2026, 06:35 PM ET Close •Joined ESPN in 2011
•Covered two Olympics, a pair of Rugby World Cups and two British & Irish Lions tours
•Previously rugby editor, and became senior writer in 2018 Follow on X
Multiple Authors
Share
Open Extended Reactions
AMSTERDAM -- Jürgen Klopp is waiting on MRI results for both Kai Havertz and Jamal Musiala after his first match in charge of Germany ended in a 1-1 draw with the Netherlands on Thursday.
Klopp looked to have got off to the perfect start in charge of Germany when Felix Nmecha scored in the 32nd minute. But the Netherlands, under new coach Xavi, equalized late through Cody Gakpo as both sides shared the spoils in their opening match of the UEFA Nations League.
Editor's Picks
-
## Xavi, Klopp debut as Netherlands draw with Germany on Gakpo goalESPN News Services -
## Haaland continues prolific World Cup form in Norway win over DenmarkESPN News Services
1 Related
The former Liverpool coach will now be facing a nervous wait over the fitness of Arsenal striker Havertz and Bayern Munich attacker Musiala. Musiala was a late withdrawal from the side because of a muscle injury in warmups, and Havertz was forced off in the 30th minute with what was also described as a muscle injury.
"Both are currently undergoing an MRI," Klopp said on RTL. "I hope we get the diagnosis [on Thursday] evening. But of course, this isn't great. I hope it's nothing serious. The lads are probably out for us. But hopefully, they'll be back in action relatively quickly."
Klopp said Nick Woltemade or Jonathan Burkardt might be called up for the next match with Greece on Sunday. In his first match in charge of the national team, Klopp said he wasn't nervous in his new role as Germany coach, and said muscle memory kicked in as he was back in manager mode.
When asked if he had a chance to enjoy it, Klopp said: "I enjoy moments when it's 4-0 up and you see extra time. As coaches, it's our job to be 100% there and try to find a way to help. Nobody has to worry about me before this game -- it would be strange to stand out there and say, where's the pitch? We had a great game.
Kai Havertz sustained a muscle injury during Germany's Nations League draw with Netherlands on Thursday.Getty Images
"Whatever result we got, we have to work with it. If someone said you'd get a draw, we'd take that. I feel we lost two points. I understand Xavi thought they could've won. I'm fine with tonight."
Klopp said the match was like his first game in charge of Liverpool when he had limited time to work with his new players.
"It was a wild game, two days training," Klopp said. "You need more than two days to develop a new way of football. We only scratched the surface, we have to go deeper.
"What we did is, we have a good way to build a group. And from there we go. We had injuries and we could react. The boys who came on, they did so well. There were a lot of good signs -- we should not draw the next 500 games or else I could go back to playing padel."
AI-assisted · generated from ESPN FC reporting, not editor reviewed
