The German Football Association confirmed that defender Nico Schlotterbeck will miss the remainder of the World Cup due to a torn left-ankle ligament. The 26-year-old Borussia Dortmund player was substituted at half-time during Germany’s 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in Toronto. Medical tests performed on Sunday indicated that the defender will be out of action for several months, effectively ending his tournament participation.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed his disappointment, noting that the team would miss Schlotterbeck’s defensive capabilities and passing ability. Despite the setback, the squad still has central defensive options in Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw. Schlotterbeck is expected to remain with the group in the United States for the time being.
The injury will also impact the start of the upcoming club season. Dortmund’s sporting director, Lars Ricken, highlighted the player’s recent strong form and his importance to the team, expressing confidence that Schlotterbeck would recover effectively. The player is projected to remain sidelined through the beginning of the new Bundesliga campaign.
