Woltemade Still in Contention for Germany Call-Up Despite Illness

Newcastle United striker Nick Woltemade may yet join up with the Germany national team despite missing the start of preparations for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers due to illness.

According to the German Football Association (DFB), the 22-year-old forward was unable to report for duty after contracting the flu, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming matches against Luxembourg and Northern Ireland.

However, the door remains open. The DFB confirmed that should Woltemade recover in time, he could still be added to the squad later this week. The young striker is at the beginning of his senior international career, having made four appearances for the national team so far—though he is yet to open his scoring account.

Woltemade rose to prominence earlier this year after being named Player of the Tournament at the UEFA Under-21 Euro 2025, and earned a blockbuster move from VfB Stuttgart to Newcastle for a reported fee of €85 million. Signed as a long-term replacement for the injured Alexander Isak, the German forward has made an immediate impact in the Premier League with 4 goals in 7 appearances.