Nagelsmann confirms ter Stegen is still seen as Germany's first-choice goalkeeper

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has backed Marc-André ter Stegen to be his team's starting goalkeeper at next year's World Cup.

The Barcelona goalkeeper has been sidelined since September with a torn patella tendon, but is making progress in his recovery.

Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann has been handed the number one shirt for Germany for the time being, but as Nagelsmann underlined at a press conference on Saturday, ter Stegen will be back in goal when he returns to full fitness.

“Marc is on the right track,” Nagelsmann said at a press conference ahead of Germany's UEFA Nations League quarter-final second leg clash with Italy.

“If he's not fit, the battle for the number one spot is open to all goalkeepers. But we've told Marc that when he's fit he'll be our first-choice goalkeeper. We'll give him some time and see what time brings.”