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Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup -Credit:Molly Darlington, Getty Images
Germany have been dealt a significant blow with defender Nico Schlotterbeck ruled out of the remainder of the FIFA World Cup due to an ankle injury. The Borussia Dortmund center-back had been included in Julian Nagelsmann's 26-man roster for the tournament.
Schlotterbeck, 26, had featured twice in the competition, even reaching the scoresheet during Germany's impressive 7-1 demolition of Curacao. However, his campaign has been cut short after sustaining an injury during the narrow 2-1 win against the Ivory Coast on Saturday.
"We'll miss Schlotti enormously on the pitch," Nagelsmann said, via The Mirror. "He's an outstanding defender and his ability to play out from the back is exceptional. He could have played a big role at this World Cup.
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-Credit:Michael Miller/ISI Photos, ISI Photos via Getty Images
"We all tried to lift his spirits yesterday and fortunately, he's a very positive person who is already looking ahead. The fact that he's staying here with the squad for now is a lovely gesture because he also has an influence off the pitch."
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken added: "I feel extremely sorry for Nico; he was in really good form and an indispensable part of our national team's starting line-up.
"But Nico showed last year how he can come back even stronger after an injury. He'll do the same this time too; we're convinced of that."
Germany cannot replace Schlotterbeck in their squad under FIFA regulations, but his substitute against the Ivory Coast, Antonio Rudiger, looks poised to secure his place in the starting lineup. Schlotterbeck had earned 29 caps for his nation prior to his injury.
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The defender's setback may also prompt Liverpool to reconsider their pursuit. Schlotterbeck has been connected with a transfer to Anfield as the Reds seek to find cover for Ibrahima Konate, who has completed a move to Real Madrid after his contract on Merseyside expired.
Dortmund have worked to retain the German in the Bundesliga after reaching an agreement on a new five-year contract with him in April to keep him at the club until 2031.
Schlotterbeck began his professional journey with SC Freiburg before transferring to Dortmund in 2022. He has since made 161 appearances for the team and found the back of the net on 11 occasions, five of which came last season.
Germany, meanwhile, will press on with their World Cup campaign in his absence. Nagelsmann's squad have already secured their place in the last 32 and will face Ecuador in their final group match.
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