Germany Star Ruled Out of World Cup, Faces Several Months on the Sidelines With Serious Injury
Germany's Nico Schlotterbeck will miss the remainder of the 2026 World Cup due to a medial ligament injury to his left ankle sustained in the 2-1 win over Côte d'Ivoire. The 26-year-old defender was replaced at halftime and will be sidelined for several months.
Despite his injury, Schlotterbeck will remain with the team in the US. Germany's coach, Julian Nagelsmann, praised Schlotterbeck's abilities, saying he is an "outstanding defender" with exceptional playmaking skills. Nagelsmann acknowledged the loss but expressed confidence in his remaining center-back options, including Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw.
Rüdiger, who replaced Schlotterbeck at halftime, is likely to continue alongside Tah. Thiaw, a ball-playing center back, could be a like-for-like replacement, but he has only five senior caps. Germany has already secured a spot in the last 32 and will face one of the best third-placed teams in the round of 32 knockout clash on June 29.
Despite his injury, Schlotterbeck will remain with the team in the US. Germany's coach, Julian Nagelsmann, praised Schlotterbeck's abilities, saying he is an "outstanding defender" with exceptional playmaking skills. Nagelsmann acknowledged the loss but expressed confidence in his remaining center-back options, including Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw.
Rüdiger, who replaced Schlotterbeck at halftime, is likely to continue alongside Tah. Thiaw, a ball-playing center back, could be a like-for-like replacement, but he has only five senior caps. Germany has already secured a spot in the last 32 and will face one of the best third-placed teams in the round of 32 knockout clash on June 29.
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