Germany’s starting defender Nico Schlotterbeck has withdrawn from the rest of the 2026 World Cup due to an ankle injury which will keep him away from the field for several months, the German Federation (DFP) said on Monday.
Examinations carried out on Sunday revealed that the Dortmund player, injured during the victory against Ivory Coast (2-1) on Saturday, was suffering from a ligament injury in his left ankle, the DFB said.
“We will miss Schlotti a lot on the field. This World Cup could have been his,” reacted coach Julian Nagelsmann, quoted in the press release.
The left-handed Schlotterbeck (29 caps), aged 26, formed with Jonathan Tah the hinge of Germany since the start of the World Cup. He scored his first goal for the selection against Curaçao (7-1) on the first day.
His absence should propel Antonio Rüdiger into the starting eleven. Nagelsmann also has Waldemar Anton and Malick Thiaw as alternatives.
Victorious in its first two meetings, Germany has already ensured its qualification for the round of 16 before facing Ecuador on Thursday in East Rutherford.
