Nico Schlotterbeck

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.

Jun 22, 2026

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.