Germany central defender Nico Schlotterbeck will miss the rest of the World Cup due to an ankle ligament injury sustained during a 2-1 victory against Ivory Coast.
Schlotterbeck, who was injured early in the match, underwent a scan revealing a torn medial collateral ligament in his left ankle. He will be out for several months but will remain with his team in the USA, according to a statement from the squad.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann commented on the loss, highlighting Schlotterbeck's role as an outstanding defender and his influence on the team’s morale. Despite the setback, Germany, now in the knockout stage for the first time in 12 years, faces Ecuador next.