Injured Germany duo Joshua Kimmich und Nico Schlotterbeck have a chance of returning for the World Cup qualifying decider against Slovakia on Monday.

A laboured 2-0 win in Luxembourg on Friday, inspired by Nick Woltemade’s double, means a victory or a draw in Leipzig on Monday will send Germany to the 2026 World Cup. A defeat means a play-off and Slovakia – who beat the Germans at home – will go through.

“It would be great for us if the two of them could be back on the pitch,” coach Julian Nagelsmann told reporters.

Captain Kimmich missed the Luxembourg game with a minor ankle issue and defender Schlotterbeck had a foot problem.

“We have to wait and see,” the coach added, saying he was “cautiously optimistic” about the Borussia Dortmund centre back but “cautiously sceptical” about the Bayern Munich man.

Woltemade received the plaudits for his first Germany brace in Luxembourg but Nagelsmann also praised winger Leroy Sane, who was left out of previous squads this season after moving to Galatasaray.

“He wasn’t here on probation, he was here to decide the game, to help decide it, and that’s what he did,” Nagelsmann said as he picked out the ex-Bayern player’s excellent ball control in the run-up to the opener.

“Not everyone can do that, to be honest. It has nothing to do with the opponent, it’s a ball you have to deal with first.”