Suspected ligament tear casts doubt over Germany defender Schlotterbeck at World Cup

Injury in the first half

Nico Schlotterbeck went down in the 15th minute of Germany's 2-1 win against Ivory Coast in Toronto after a tackle with Amad Diallo. The 26-year-old defender received treatment on his left leg, swallowed a painkiller, and tried to continue. He eventually sat down on the pitch, and team doctors rushed over. Schlotterbeck made it to the break but was replaced by Antonio Rüdiger when the teams came out for the second half.

“He has something in the inner ligament, I don't know what yet. He has to go for an MRI tomorrow. It definitely doesn't look all that good, unfortunately.”

Suspected ligament tear

MagentaTV reported that the suspicion is an inner ligament tear. The scan on Sunday will reveal the precise severity. Nagelsmann's guarded tone and the immediate swelling around the knee are fuelling fears that the Borussia Dortmund man could miss the rest of the tournament.

What Germany lose without Schlotterbeck

The left-footed centre-back has become a key figure in build-up play, his switch-ball quality and set-piece threat unique in the squad.

“He has the quality with his left foot in build-up play, that switch-play ability we cannot replace one-for-one. He also has that strength in attack on set-pieces – he was clearly a target. But Toni can do that too, it just has to gel again.”

Next steps and history

Schlotterbeck already missed nearly six months of the previous season with a torn meniscus in his left knee. An extended absence now would be another bitter setback. The MRI on Sunday will determine if he can return later in the competition or if Germany must manage without him.