Nico Schlotterbeck ruled out of 2026 World Cup with ankle injury
Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck will miss the remainder of the 2026 World Cup after suffering a torn ankle ligament.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0 / Author: حسین ظهروند
Germany's 2026 World Cup campaign has been hit by a major defensive blow. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament after sustaining an injury during the team's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast.
According to Sky Sport, an MRI scan confirmed that the defender suffered a torn medial ligament in his left ankle. Schlotterbeck initially attempted to continue playing after receiving treatment, but the pain forced him to be substituted at half-time. Medical experts expect his recovery to take at least two months.
The loss is significant for Julian Nagelsmann's side. Schlotterbeck had established himself as a vital part of the back line alongside Jonathan Tah, providing tactical balance and quality in playing out from the back throughout the group stage.
«Antonio did well, very focused,» said Julian Nagelsmann.
Following the injury, Antonio Rudiger replaced Schlotterbeck at half-time. The Real Madrid defender, who had previously lost his starting spot to the Schlotterbeck-Tah partnership, is now expected to reclaim his place in the starting XI. Nagelsmann praised the professionalism of the veteran centre-back, but the team must now rapidly adjust its defensive chemistry for the high-stakes knockout phase.