Germany centre back Antonio Rüdiger looks to have won his fitness race ahead of the Euro 2024 last-16 clash against Denmark in Dortmund on Saturday.
The 31-year-old defender returned to team training on Friday following a thigh strain suffered in the 1-1 draw with Switzerland as Germany wrapped up top spot in Group A.
"He's very important for us. The doctors have done everything they can to get him fit. He looks like he's fit. If nothing happens, he can play," Nagelsmann told a news conference.
His partner in central defence is likely to be Nico Schlotterbeck, who will deputize for the suspended Jonathan Tah.
In contrast, Nagelsmann's answer to the question of whether Kai Havertz or Niclas Füllkrug will play in attack was rather curt.
"I've made my decision, but I'm not going to tell them," he said. "I haven't followed the media discussion about this issue at all. I had enough to do. We are the coaching team, we decide who plays."
Nagelsmann has previously opted for Havertz in attack at the home European Championship but Füllkrug scored off the bench in the late draw with the Swiss and pundits say his greater physicality could be an asset against the tough Danes.
Germany went out at this stage in the last Euros, losing 2-0 to England at Wembley.
A similar result would burst Germany's bubble at their home tournament and mean Toni Kroos will have played his last professional match before retirement.
Kroos was sporting a new haircut at final training just like Havertz, although midfielder Robert Andrich had the most radical new style.
His hair colour has been dyed platinum.
"I've been thinking about changing colour for a while," he said. "For those who have been following me for a while or my friends and family, they're not surprised."
