Schlotterbeck's World Cup over as ankle injury sidelines Germany defender for 'several months'

Germany and Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck will be sidelined for "several months" after suffering an ankle ligament injury at the World Cup. 

Schlotterbeck made 28 Bundesliga appearances last season, contributing to 11 clean sheets as BVB finished as runners-up, behind Bayern Munich. 

Waldemar Anton (165) was the only Dortmund player to make more clearances than his 127, while he also ranked third for aerial duels won (66) and joint-third for interceptions (27, level with Felix Nmecha).

Schlotterbeck was seen as a key part of Julian Nagelsmann's plans for the World Cup and started Germany's first two games – victories over Curacao (7-1) and Ivory Coast (2-1).

However, the 26-year-old exited the latter match with an ankle issue, being replaced by Antonio Rudiger at half-time, and he will now miss the rest of the tournament.

A statement from the German Football Federation (DFB) read: "Nico Schlotterbeck suffered a medial ligament injury in his left ankle in the German national team's 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in the second group game of the 2026 World Cup in Toronto on Saturday and will be out for several months. 

"This was the result of the investigations on Sunday in Winston-Salem, where the national team has moved into its team quarters for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico. 

"The defender of the German runners-up Borussia Dortmund will stay with the team in the USA for the time being."

Nagelsmann said: "We will miss Schlotti very much on the pitch as an outstanding defender, especially his excellent build-up play. It could have been his World Cup. 

"We all tried to build him up yesterday. Luckily, he's a very positive guy who is already looking ahead again. 

"It's a nice sign that he will stay here in the team circle for the time being, because he also has influence off the pitch. 

"Despite his absence, we are still very well positioned for the World Cup in central defence with Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rudiger, Waldemar Anton and Malick Thiaw."

Germany have already won Group E ahead of taking on Ecuador on Thursday, and they will face one of the eight best third-place finishers in the round of 32, in Boston on June 29.