Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup and beyond with a left ankle injury sustained during Saturday’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.
Tests on Sunday revealed Schlotterbeck, who had started both of Germany’s opening games in the tournament, sustained an injury to the medial ligament in his ankle and will be out for several months, the German soccer federation said Monday.
Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed his disappointment at losing the defender, saying, “We will sorely miss Schlotti on the field as an outstanding defender, especially also his brilliant ability to build up play from the back.”
Schlotterbeck, who plays for Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, will stay with the Germany squad for the rest of the World Cup, where he will still have an impact off the field.
Despite his absence, Germany is still well-equipped at center-back for the World Cup with Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw.
