Nico Schlotterbeck
BVB
CB
Ball-Playing Centre Back
Dec 1, 1999 (26)
Left
6'3"
190 lb
DortmundReady to return
Schlotterbeck (ankle) is an option for Saturday's clash against Paderborn, according to coach Niko Kovac, per Ruhr 24. "He is ready for action this weekend, I can count on him, and we are pleased about that."
Analysis: Schlotterbeck had recently rejoined team training after an ankle injury suffered at the World Cup, and his availability now confirms that recovery is complete. He remains Dortmund's lead center back when fit, and his return gives coach Niko Kovac a significant boost to the back line heading into the match.
Returns to team training
Schlotterbeck (ankle) was back in team training on Wednesday, according to his club.
Analysis: Schlotterbeck was closing in on his return to training, and it has finally taken place, with the defender joining his teammates after an ankle injury at the World Cup. He will now push for a return to play, likely to take anywhere between one and a few weeks. This will be a major return for Dortmund once he is fit, as he is their lead center-back when fit.
Suspended against Villarreal
Schlotterbeck will miss Tuesday's Champions League opener against Villarreal, giving him more time to continue recovering from his ankle injury, according to UEFA.
Analysis: Schlotterbeck has resumed individual work with the ball and could partially rejoin team training within the next one to two weeks, according to coach Niko Kovac, after spending around two and a half months sidelined with a medial collateral ligament injury. This match comes too soon regardless, and the extra time works in Dortmund's favor as it continues taking a cautious approach with his gradual return to full training.
Closing in on team training
Schlotterbeck (ankle) has resumed individual work with the ball and could partially rejoin team training within the next one-to-two weeks, according to coach Niko Kovac. "I can't promise it, but I hope he'll be back in team training in one or two weeks."
Analysis: Schlotterbeck continues to make encouraging progress after spending around two-and-a-half months sidelined with a medial collateral ligament injury in his ankle. The center-back is currently working individually on the pitch, with his workload set to increase gradually before he rejoins his teammates. Dortmund are taking a cautious approach to avoid any setback, and there is still no firm date for his competitive return, though a return to team training within the next couple of weeks would represent a major step toward his comeback.
Recovery remains long process
Schlotterbeck (ankle) gave an update on his ankle injury, describing his recovery as a lengthy process that requires taking things day by day, according to kicker.
Analysis: Schlotterbeck has been sidelined since the June 20 World Cup match against Ivory Coast, missing all of preseason and Dortmund's Supercup opener against Bayern Munich. Club officials had initially hoped for a return around the September international break, and while Schlotterbeck offered cautiously positive comments on his progress, he stopped short of guaranteeing that timeline. Dortmund will play four Bundesliga matches and the German Cup first round before the break arrives, leaving a tight window for the defender's return, with a comeback for the September 19 clash against Stuttgart seen as a realistic target if his recovery continues to trend well.
Out for start of season
Schlotterbeck (ankle) will miss the start of the new season due to a torn ankle ligament, according to sporting director Lars Ricken, per WAZ.
Analysis: Schlotterbeck has already returned to Dortmund but is currently finishing his rehabilitation at the club's training center and is not yet participating in team training. He will miss the season opening German Super Cup against Bayern Munich on Aug. 22 and the Bundesliga opener against Hamburg a week later. Dortmund hope to have him back around the first international break in late September, though that timeline will depend on how his recovery progresses. Schlotterbeck's absence marks a setback after recent cautious optimism around a potential start of season return, leaving the club without one of its most important defensive players for the time being.
Torn ankle ligament confirmed
Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the World Cup after an MRI scan confirmed a torn inner ligament in his left ankle suffered against Ivory Coast, with the defender expected to be sidelined for around two months, according to Kerry Hau of Sky Sport.
Analysis: Schlotterbeck had been forced off at halftime of Saturday's match and had been one of Germany's most reliable defensive figures, even scoring in the opening game against Curacao before the injury struck. Antonio Rudiger is expected to complete the starting center-back pairing in his absence for the remainder of the tournament, with Germany losing a key piece of their defense at the worst possible time.
Suspected ligament injury
Schlotterbeck (ankle) is at risk of missing upcoming World Cup games as, according to Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann, "He has something wrong with his medial collateral ligament, I don't know what yet. He has to go for an MRI tomorrow.", Sky Sport reports.
Analysis: Schlotterbeck left Saturday's match against Ivory Coast and half time and could now be dealing with a serious problem, casting doubt over his participation in the remaining contests of the summer competition. While he's yet to undergo MRI tests, the center-back will likely be sidelined at least for the final group stage fixture versus Ecuador, for which Antonio Rudiger should complete the starting lineup. Schlotterbeck had been a constant presence in the defense before getting hurt, and he even found the net in the opening game against Curacao.
Off at halftime
Schlotterbeck came off with an ankle injury at halftime during Saturday's clash with Ivory Coast.
Analysis: Schlotterbeck rolled his ankle inside the opening 10 minutes but was surprisingly able to carry on through the rest of the first half. At halftime though he was deemed unfit to carry on and Antonio Rudiger came on to replace him. If the injury is at all serious, this could be the end of the World Cup for Schlotterbeck.
Soars for headed goal
Schlotterbeck recorded one goal on two shots to go along with two tackles, three interceptions and five clearances in Sunday's 7-1 win over Curacao.
Analysis: Schlotterbeck had a great opening match despite Germany allowing a goal and losing the clean sheet to the smallest nation to ever compete in the World Cup. He would find his moment in the 38th minute, rising on a corner to score a header and regain the lead. That said, he appeared lethal on their set pieces, always the centerpiece of a corner kick, and recorded two shots via headers. He also still maintained a decent stat line on defense, highlighted by his five clearances.
Likely starter for Germany
Schlotterbeck is likely to be a starting center-back for the German national team.
Analysis: Schlotterbeck is coming into the 2026 World Cup as a likely clear starter, set to start in the middle of the defense next to Jonathan Tah. He has previously featured at the World Cup in 2022, getting one start and a bench appearance, although he will see a much more elevated role this World Cup. Coming in on a decently strong defense will help the player in huge ways, as through the group stage, they are unlikely to concede many goals. He ended the club campaign with 11 clean sheets in his 28 league starts, holding a decent presence in the defense.
Scores rare goal
Schlotterbeck scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), five crosses (two accurate) and two corners in Friday's 3-2 victory against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Analysis: Schlotterbeck found the back of the net during Friday's win, a rare goal for the center-back, who doesn't often get involved in the attack. He's been a big part of the backline now that he's back healthy, but his value will likely come defensively, as he isn't set for any sort of improved offensive role.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare