Nico Schlotterbeck shares progress on World Cup ankle injury recovery

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has offered an update on his recovery progress after sustaining an ankle injury during the 2026 World Cup. The 26-year-old has been sidelined since June 20, when he picked up the problem during Germany's clash against Ivory Coast.

The setback forced him to miss the entire pre-season and the club's 2-1 Supercup defeat to Bayern Munich last weekend. While the club initially looked toward the international break for a potential return, the defender is currently following a measured rehabilitation plan.

It's basically a long, drawn-out story. It wasn't easy at the World Cup. At first, I thought it wasn't that bad and kept playing. We have to take it day by day. We're trying to let it heal properly and do good work with the physios and the rehab coaches. Then I believe it won't take much longer. Nico Schlotterbeck

Dortmund sporting director Ole Book praised the leadership shown by Schlotterbeck and club captain Emre Can during their time in the treatment room. Despite their absence from the pitch, both players remain fully engaged with the squad, though the club is avoiding setting a specific date for their return to action.

Dortmund begins their 2026-27 Bundesliga season against Hamburg on August 29. The medical staff continues to monitor Schlotterbeck's progress, with full first-team training only permitted once the ankle reaches full stability.