Germany defender Schlotterbeck out of World Cup with ankle ligament injury

The injury

Nico Schlotterbeck's tournament came to an abrupt end early in Germany's second Group E match against Ivory Coast on Saturday. Just 13 minutes into the game in Toronto, the 26-year-old went down in a challenge with Ivorian forward Amad Diallo. He tried to continue but was eventually substituted at halftime by Antonio Rüdiger. Scans the following day back at the team's base in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, revealed a torn medial collateral ligament in his left ankle, the German football association (DFB) announced on Monday.

“We will sorely miss Schlotti on the field as an outstanding defender, especially also his brilliant ability to build up play from the back.”

Reaction from the camp

Head coach Julian Nagelsmann called the loss of his starting centre-back "a bitter blow" and admitted "it could have been his World Cup." He praised Schlotterbeck's resolve, noting the defender was already looking ahead. "We all tried to lift his spirits yesterday. Luckily, he's a very positive person who's already looking ahead," Nagelsmann said. The coach stressed that despite the setback, Germany remains well-stocked at centre-back with Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, Waldemar Anton and Malick Thiaw available.

DFB sporting director Rudi Völler acknowledged the gravity of the situation. "This is a serious injury for Nico. It's very sad. It's bitter for us and for the boy. A World Cup doesn't come around that often," he told dpa. Völler added that the team must absorb the blow and find new solutions for the tournament's remaining tasks.

“We have to catch this, and we will catch it.”

What it means for the tournament

Germany had already secured top spot in Group E and a place in the last 16 for the first time in 12 years before the injury news broke. The four-time champions will close group play against Ecuador on Thursday in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Schlotterbeck, who scored his first international goal in the opening 7-1 rout of Curaçao, formed a reliable partnership with Tah. His absence removes Nagelsmann's key build-up asset from the left side of defence.

Schlotterbeck stays with the squad

Rather than return to Borussia Dortmund immediately, Schlotterbeck will remain with the national team at The Graylyn Estate in Winston-Salem. "It is a great sign that he's staying with the squad for now, as he has an impact off the field as well," Nagelsmann said. Völler confirmed that arrangements with Dortmund, following a phone call with club CEO Lars Ricken, were seamless. Schlotterbeck posted an emotional message on Instagram, urging fans to support the team. "What matters now is the team. They deserve the full support of all Germans," he wrote.

Looking ahead

While Nagelsmann cannot call up a replacement because the tournament is already underway, he expressed confidence in the depth of his defensive options. The injury also carries implications for the next Bundesliga season, with Schlotterbeck expected to miss the early months with Dortmund. For now, the focus shifts to whether the team can channel the setback into a unifying force as it enters the knockout rounds.