Schlotterbeck ruled out of World Cup with medial ankle ligament damage

Germany have been hit by a major setback after Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out of the World Cup with a serious ankle injury sustained against the Ivory Coast. An MRI confirmed medial ligament damage to his left ankle, typically carrying a recovery time of around two months.

The 29-cap international tried to continue but was replaced at half-time in the 2-1 win. Schlotterbeck had formed a central partnership with Jonathan Tah, offering playmaking from the back and balance on the left. While Deniz Undav's two goals secured the victory, celebrations were tempered by the loss of one of Germany's most reliable defenders.

Julian Nagelsmann said: "We will miss Schlotti a great deal on the pitch as an outstanding defender, especially his excellent playmaking. This could have been his World Cup. We all tried to cheer him up yesterday – luckily, he's a very positive guy who's already looking ahead.

Germany

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