Ter Stegen returns to Germany squad after a year: 'It means a lot to me'

Marc-André ter Stegen is back in the Germany squad after a year away. The goalkeeper on loan from FC Barcelona at Ajax has been included in Jürgen Klopp's first selection, an expanded 44-man list for the upcoming Nations League matches. The news arrived in the same week he could not prevent his side from drawing 2-2 at home against Excelsior.

• Ter Stegen returns to a Germany squad for the first time in a year.
• New head coach Jürgen Klopp names him in a 44-man group for the Nations League.
• The Barcelona loanee did not have his best game in Ajax's 2-2 draw with Excelsior.
• Thilo Kehrer and Julian Brandt miss out, with Brandt's absence the biggest surprise.
• Ter Stegen expressed gratitude for the support he has received in Germany during his recovery.

What returning to the Germany squad means for Ter Stegen

The call-up comes after two difficult seasons for the goalkeeper. Injuries kept him off the pitch for long stretches and also away from national team duty. His return under Klopp ends a spell that had dragged on for an entire year.

It means a lot to me. I suffered a lot during my recovery. I always try to give my best, show my best version, and I am happy to be back.

Ter Stegen stressed that representing his country remains a central goal in his career, especially after a period in which he could not always compete consistently. The keeper admitted that fulfilling a childhood dream carries even more weight after what he has been through over the past two years.

Klopp places his trust in Ter Stegen for the Nations League

The 44-man squad represents one of Klopp's first major decisions since taking charge of the German national team. The coach, who arrived with the task of steadying the side after uneven cycles, has opted for an expanded list that allows him to assess options before the Nations League fixtures.

Ter Stegen's inclusion increases competition for the German goal. The keeper had not been involved in a squad for a year, a fact that underlines the length of his absence and the significance of his return to the national team setup.

Ajax held to a 2-2 draw by Excelsior on a difficult night for Ter Stegen

The return to the national team comes straight after a subdued outing for the German goalkeeper. Ajax could only draw 2-2 at home against Excelsior, a side from the lower reaches of the Eredivisie, and dropped two points in their push for European places.

The match exposed the defensive fragility of the Dutch club, which failed to hold onto the lead on two occasions. Ter Stegen, like the rest of the back line, endured an uneven evening, although the draw did not overshadow the news the keeper would receive shortly afterwards: his return to the Germany squad.

Julian Brandt's absence becomes the main talking point in Germany

Ter Stegen praises Brandt despite his exclusion

Klopp's list left out Thilo Kehrer and, above all, Julian Brandt. The attacking midfielder's omission has become one of the most debated decisions in Germany, given his recent form at club level. His performances and his ability to influence games in the final third had made him a strong candidate for selection.

Ter Stegen was quick to highlight his compatriot's quality and spoke clearly about the coach's call. "Jule is doing a great job, he makes the difference," the goalkeeper said, well aware that such decisions are not his to make. His comments underline how difficult it is to break into a Germany squad with so many talented players.

Frequently asked questions about Ter Stegen's Germany call-up