CORNERFLICK
Nico Schlotterbeck will miss the rest of Germany’s World Cup 2026 campaign after suffering a serious ankle ligament tear.
The 25-year-old was injured early in the match against Ivory Coast. Initial checks suggested the problem was severe, and further examinations have now confirmed the tear. He is expected to need around two months to recover.
Schlotterbeck had also impressed in Germany’s win over Curaçao, where he contributed defensively and scored. His form in club and international football has already drawn interest from several major European sides.
He had formed Germany’s centre-back pairing with Jonathan Tah, but Antonio Rüdiger now has a chance to move into the starting line-up.
Germany have already secured qualification for the knockout stage after beating Curaçao and Ivory Coast. They face Ecuador on Thursday.