UPDATE: Schlotterbeck’s World Cup is over
Schlotterbeck suffered a torn medial collateral ligament in his ankle and is now out of the tournament.
A statement from the DFB read:
“Nico suffered a medial collateral ligament injury in his left ankle during Saturday’s 2-1 victory against Ivory Coast and will be out for several months.
“He will remain with the team in the USA for the time being.”
Julian Nagelsmann commented: “We will miss Schlotti a great deal on the pitch as an outstanding defender, especially his excellent playmaking.
“It could have been his World Cup.
“Together we tried to build him up – luckily, he’s a very positive guy who’s already looking ahead.
“Despite his absence, we are still very well positioned in central defense for the World Cup with Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw.”
Nico Schlotterbeck’s World Cup is over after suffering a ligament injury.
The Borussia Dortmund defender required extensive treatment before being taken off during the 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.
Giving an update from the German football federation [DFB], presenter Laura Wontorra said: “It’s a suspected medial collateral ligament tear.”
Expected recovery times for a Grade 1 / minor sprain is less than one week, however, structural ligament damage is a minimum of three weeks.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann commented: “He has something wrong with his medial collateral ligament.
“I don’t know what yet. He has to have an MRI tomorrow. It certainly doesn’t look too good.”
German World Cup winner Christoph Kramer said after the game: “If it’s something to do with the medial collateral ligament, even a sprain: that takes time.
“He did everything he could to stay on. I wish him all the best because he’s an important player for us. But if it’s any kind of medial collateral ligament injury – you can’t tape that.”
Big injury blow for Germany
The tournament-ending injury comes as Schlotterbeck was forming a top partnership with Jonathan Tah.
Former national team defender Per Mertesacker explained: “We had the feeling that things were starting to click with Tah and Nico.
“That’s why it’s so bitter. And now so early in the tournament.
“Antonio Rüdiger did okay considering the situation. Coming in as a center-back is never easy.
“They defended well to see it out. But it would be a significant loss.”
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