Overview
- The injury happened after a clash with Amad Diallo about 13 minutes into Germany’s 2-1 group win over Ivory Coast and Schlotterbeck was replaced at halftime by Antonio Rüdiger.
- The German Football Federation and Borussia Dortmund confirmed on Monday that an MRI showed a medial collateral ligament injury to Schlotterbeck’s left ankle and that he will miss the rest of the World Cup and be sidelined for several months.
- Because squads cannot call up new players once the tournament has started, coach Julian Nagelsmann will rely on existing options such as Antonio Rüdiger, Jonathan Tah, Waldemar Anton and Malick Thiaw to cover the center-back role.
- Several media outlets report that Real Madrid has removed Schlotterbeck from transfer consideration given the projected recovery time, but that development has not been confirmed by the club.
- Schlotterbeck said he needs time to process the injury and will remain with the German delegation while Borussia Dortmund and teammates publicly offered support, and his extended layoff will affect his club playing time and summer transfer prospects.