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Germany defender ruled out of World Cup with ankle injury
Germany centre-back Nico Schlotterbeck sustained a left ankle ligament injury during a 2-1 win over Ivory Coast. A national team statement said he will miss several months. Germany cannot replace him because the tournament has started.
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Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck suffered a medial collateral ligament injury to his left ankle during his team's 2-1 win against Ivory Coast on Saturday. The 26-year-old left-footed centre-back left the match at half-time and was replaced by Antonio Rudiger.
A Germany national team statement said Schlotterbeck "will be out for several months" and will remain with the squad in the United States for now.
Injury details and team response Schlotterbeck had played the full 90 minutes of Germany's opening 7-1 win over Curacao and scored the team's second goal. " Nagelsmann added that the squad tried to lift Schlotterbeck's spirits after the injury and noted his positive outlook.
Germany's remaining centre-back options are Jonathan Tah, Rudiger, Waldemar Anton and Newcastle's Malick Thiaw.
Contract and tournament context Schlotterbeck signed a contract extension with Borussia Dortmund until 2031 in April. Germany has already secured first place in Group E and faces Ecuador on Thursday at 21:00 BST. The team cannot call up a replacement because the tournament has started.
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