Germany rocked by World Cup injury blow as key player ruled out for rest of the tournament

Germany’s World Cup campaign has been dealt a significant blow with the news that central defender Nico Schlotterbeck will miss the remainder of the tournament and faces several months on the sidelines due to an ankle ligament injury.

The setback was confirmed by the national team on Monday, following their 2-1 Group E victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday.

Schlotterbeck, a key figure in the German defence, sustained the injury early in the match and was substituted at half-time for Antonio Rüdiger. A subsequent scan on Sunday revealed the Borussia Dortmund player had torn a ligament in his left ankle, specifically the medial collateral ligament.

The team released a statement confirming the severity of the injury, adding that while Schlotterbeck will be out for several months, he will, for the time being, remain with the squad in the USA.

With the tournament already underway, coach Julian Nagelsmann is unable to call up a replacement player.

Nagelsmann expressed his disappointment, stating: “Schlotti will be greatly missed on the pitch as an outstanding defender, especially his excellent build-up play. 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.”

The coach added that Schlotterbeck’s decision to stay with the team was a “very positive sign” due to his “influence off the pitch”, and affirmed confidence in the remaining defensive options.

“Despite his absence, we are still very well positioned in central defence for the World Cup with Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton and Malick Thiaw.”

The Germans have already secured top spot in their group and advanced to the knockout stage for the first time in 12 years on Saturday following their comeback win against Ivory Coast.

The African nation took a deserved first-half lead through Franck Kessie, leaving Germany with a mountain to climb.

However, Nagelsmann’s men managed to turn the match back in their favour thanks to a brace from substitute Deniz Undav, who netted the winner deep into stoppage time.

Germany are set to face Ecuador in their final group stage fixture on Thursday.