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The Borussia Dortmund defender suffered a medial ligament injury in his left ankle and will be out for several months. Germany cannot call up a new replacement...
Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck will not play in the World Cup after suffering an injury in the 2-1 win over Ivory Coast. According to German news agency dpa, the 26-year-old has suffered a torn medial ligament in his left ankle.
The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed that Schlotterbeck will be out for several months, prematurely ending his participation in the tournament taking place in North America.
It is the second major injury to hit Julian Nagelsmann's team at the World Cup, after Lennart Karl was ruled out with a muscle problem. However, because FIFA's deadline for roster changes has passed, Germany are no longer able to register a substitute for the team, except in cases involving goalkeepers.
Schlotterbeck was injured after about 15 minutes of play when he accidentally kicked his left foot during a duel. Although he received several medical treatments, he continued to play until the end of the first half.
Immediately after the match, Nagelsmann had expressed concern about the defender's condition. After medical examinations, the fears were confirmed.
"Schlotti will be greatly missed on the pitch as an excellent defender, especially for his ability to build up play from the back. This could have been his World Cup," Nagelsmann said, according to a DFB statement.
The German coach added that Schlotterbeck will remain with the team in the United States for the time being.
"It's a nice sign that he remains with the group initially, because he has an impact off the pitch as well," Nagelsmann said.
Schlotterbeck's absence is expected to pave the way for Antonio Rüdiger to return to the starting line-up. The Real Madrid defender came on in place of the Dortmund man during the match against Ivory Coast and is considered a leading candidate to play in the final group match against Ecuador.
Nagelsmann stressed that, despite the loss of Schlotterbeck, Germany remains covered in the center of defense with Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton and Malick Thiaw.
Borussia Dortmund also reacted to the news. The club's sporting director, Lars Ricken, said that Schlotterbeck's exit from the World Cup due to injury was "extremely bittersweet," but expressed confidence that the player would come back stronger, just as he did after a serious injury that kept him out of action for almost six months last year.
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