Schlotterbeck’s World Cup Over: Germany Defender Out After Group E Win

Nico Schlotterbeck out of World Cup with ankle ligament tear

Germany Injury News: Centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck is ruled out for months after tearing a ligament in his left ankle vs Ivory Coast. Nagelsmann cannot call up a replacement as Germany advance to knockouts for first time in 12 years.

Germany’s Schlotterbeck suffers torn ankle ligament, misses knockout stage...

Germany centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck is out for the rest of the World Cup. The team confirmed Monday he suffered an ankle ligament injury in Saturday’s 2-1 Group E win over Ivory Coast and will be sidelined for months.

Schlotterbeck started at centre-back but went down early and was replaced by Antonio Rüdiger at halftime. A scan on Sunday showed he tore a ligament in his left ankle.

“Schlotterbeck suffered an injury to the ⁠medial collateral ligament in ‌his left ankle ... and will be out for several months. The defender of German runners-up Borussia Dortmund will, for the time being, remain with the team in the USA,” the team said in a statement.

With the tournament already underway, Germany boss Julian Nageli won’t be able to call up a replacement for Schlo.

“Schlotti will be greatly missed on the pitch as an outstanding defender, especially his excellent build-up ‌play,” Nagelsmann said. “It could have been his World Cup. Yesterday, we all tried to lift his spirits – fortunately, he is a very positive character who is already looking ahead again.”

“It is a very positive sign that he will initially remain here within the team, because he also has an influence off the pitch. Despite his absence, we ‌are still very well positioned in central defence for the World Cup with Jonathan Tah, Antonio ‌Rudiger, Waldemar Anton and Malick Thiaw,” the coach said.

Germany have already clinched top spot in Group E and reached the knockout stage for the first time in 12 years. They wrap up the group stage against Ecuador on Thursday.