Heartbreak for Germany, and it’s come at the worst possible time.

So, some rough news for German fans, as reported by cbinews.tv. Defender Nico Schlotterbeck is officially out of the World Cup after picking up a nasty ligament injury in his left ankle.

The 26-year-old Borussia Dortmund man picked up the knock during Germany’s 2-1 win over Ivory Coast in Toronto on Saturday. He actually only played the first half before being subbed off. Gutted, especially since he’d just scored in Germany’s 7-1 thrashing of Curacao in their opener.

The German Football Association (DFB) confirmed on Monday that medical checks on Sunday showed he’ll be “sidelined for several months.” The silver lining? He’s staying with the squad in the US for now DFB.

Germany have already booked their spot in the last 32 and face Ecuador in New York on Thursday for their final group game. But losing Schlotterbeck stings.

Head coach Julian Nagelsmann didn’t hide it: “We’ll really miss Schlotti on the field as an outstanding defender, especially his excellent build-up play. It could have been his World Cup.” Julian Nagelsmann

Still, he praised Schlotterbeck’s mindset: “We all tried to cheer him up yesterday — luckily, he’s a very positive guy who’s already looking ahead. It’s a good sign that he’s staying here with the team for now, because he has an impact off the field as well.”

Even without him, Nagelsmann says Germany are covered at the back: “Despite his absence, we’re still very well-placed in central defence for the World Cup with Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rüdiger, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw.” Jonathan Tah Antonio Rüdiger Waldemar Anton Malick Thiaw

The timeline’s brutal though. The DFB says “several months” out, meaning Schlotterbeck will also miss the start of the Bundesliga season. Borussia Dortmund, last year’s runners-up, kick off against champions Bayern Munich on 22 August, with the league starting the weekend after.

Dortmund sporting director Lars Ricken said: “I feel extremely sorry for Nico; he was in really good form and an indispensable part of our national team’s starting line-up. It’s a real shame and incredibly tough to take that he’s now out of the World Cup due to injury. But Nico showed last year how he can come back even stronger after an injury.” Lars Ricken Borussia Dortmund

Tough break for Schlotti. Wishing him a speedy recovery.

Source: cbinews.tv

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