Klopp Faces Injury Setback with Ouédraogo's Shoulder Problem

Jürgen Klopp’s first squad as Germany manager is already under strain before it has even been named.

Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouédraogo is a major doubt for the upcoming Nations League fixtures against the Netherlands, Greece and Serbia after suffering a fresh shoulder injury at the weekend, according to Foot Mercato.

The 20-year-old started Leipzig’s 5-0 demolition of Hamburg on Sunday but lasted only 35 minutes. A collision with Albert Grønbæk left him in clear discomfort, and he was forced off, cutting short what should have been a routine afternoon in a dominant win.

For Klopp, the timing is brutal. He is due to announce his first Germany squad next Thursday, a landmark moment in his tenure. Ouédraogo had been widely viewed as one of the brightest young options to inject energy and creativity into the new-look national side.

Inside Leipzig, alarm bells are ringing. The club fear the injury is connected to the same shoulder problem that ruled the midfielder out for the whole of last August.

Martín Demichelis did not sugar-coat the situation. "I think it's the same injury. Things don't look promising. We need him. He is an amazing talent, both for Germany and for our club," the Leipzig manager said.

That frustration runs deep for both club and country. Since joining Leipzig in 2024, Ouédraogo’s progress has been repeatedly interrupted. He has already spent more than 380 days on the sidelines, a staggering total for a player of his age and profile.

Now, with Nations League tests looming and Klopp trying to stamp his identity on Germany, one of the most gifted midfielders of his generation may again be watching from the stands rather than shaping the play on the pitch.