TORONTO (FN) — Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck will miss the rest of the World Cup after suffering a left-ankle ligament injury, the German Football Association (DFB) confirmed Monday.
The 26-year-old Borussia Dortmund player was substituted at halftime during Germany’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast on Saturday. Medical tests the following day revealed damage that will sideline him for several months.
Schlotterbeck, who scored in Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curaçao in their opening match, will remain with the squad in the United States despite his absence from the pitch.
“We’ll really miss Schlotti on the field as an outstanding defender, especially his excellent build-up play,” coach Julian Nagelsmann said. “It could have been his World Cup.” He added that Schlotterbeck’s presence off the field would still benefit the team.
Germany has already secured a place in the last 32 and will face Ecuador in their final group game in New York on Thursday. Nagelsmann noted the squad remains strong in central defense, with Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw available.
The injury also means Schlotterbeck will miss the start of Dortmund’s Bundesliga campaign, which begins in late August against Bayern Munich. Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken called the setback “a real shame,” but expressed confidence in the defender’s ability to recover.
Schlotterbeck, capped multiple times for Germany, has been a key figure for Dortmund, who finished runners up in last season’s Bundesliga. His absence is a blow both to club and country, underscoring the impact of injuries on major tournaments.
