Overview
- Nico Schlotterbeck suffered a left-ankle ligament rupture in the match against Ivory Coast and has been ruled out for the remainder of the World Cup.
- Team doctors and DFB officials say Schlotterbeck faces several months of recovery, a timetable that also clouds his availability for the coming club season at Borussia Dortmund.
- Because FIFA's post-deadline rules prevent Germany from naming a replacement, coach Julian Nagelsmann will adjust from the existing squad rather than calling up a new player.
- Antonio Rüdiger, who replaced Schlotterbeck late in the Ivory Coast game, is set to step into the starting centre-back role as Germany prepares for its final group match against Ecuador on Thursday, June 25.
- Schlotterbeck has chosen to stay at the DFB base at The Graylyn Estate to support the squad, a move DFB leaders say helps team unity as Germany—already assured as Group E winners—relies on internal depth built during the expanded 48-team tournament.