Victory for Germany, injury for Schlotterbeck

The German national team received a severe blow in the midst of the 2026 World Cup. Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after a ligament tear in his left ankle was confirmed. The injury occurred during the 2-1 victory over Côte d'Ivoire and leaves Julian Nagelsmann without a key piece in the defense.

Out of the World Cup

The tests conducted at the German training camp and a second medical evaluation confirmed the worst-case scenario. The Borussia Dortmund defender will be sidelined from sports activity for about eight weeks, forcing him to say goodbye to the World Cup. Schlotterbeck barely managed to play 13 minutes of the match before twisting his ankle in an accidental action. Despite the pain, he tried to stay on the field and completed the first half, but the inflammation in the joint made it impossible for him to continue after the break.

Would also miss the start of the season

The estimated two-month recovery prevents him from missing the start of the 2026/27 season. It's not the first major injury in his career; in April of last year, he suffered a meniscus tear. Now, uncertainty once again surrounds a player who was in the process of consolidating his position and will have to wait to resume his path in the elite.

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