Schlotterbeck ruled out until after 2026 World Cup with injury
Update: MRI shows the Germany defender tore ligaments in his left ankle and is expected to miss several months.
Nico Schlotterbeck will no longer be available for Germany until after the 2026 World Cup following a left ankle injury. An MRI showed a torn ligament in his left ankle, sidelining the Borussia Dortmund defender for several months. The injury occurred when Germany faced Pantai Gading in a Group E match. Schlotterbeck was taken off in the 45th minute after a clash to his left ankle and was replaced by Antonio Rudiger. The loss of the 26-year-old is a setback for Julian Nagelsmann's side, as he had been Jonathan Tah's main partner since qualifying. To fill the gap in defense, Germany still has Rudiger, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw.