Nico Schlotterbeck's return to the Germany national team is delayed due to an ankle injury. The Borussia Dortmund defender suffered the damage in the second World Cup group game against Ivory Coast and now needs more rehabilitation time.
The player reported this himself on Sunday while attending the Formula 1 race in Zandvoort, speaking to Sky. "It's simply a protracted story," Schlotterbeck said about his injury. He sustained the ligament injury in the match on June 19, 2026, but played on until halftime.
How serious is the injury?
Schlotterbeck picked up the injury after about fifteen minutes of play. "At first I thought it wasn't so bad," the 26-year-old admitted. Subsequent examination revealed the full extent. The national team player is currently undergoing individual rehabilitation training at Dortmund. The club will not give a concrete date for his return to the pitch.
The defender emphasized the work with medical experts. "We have to take it day by day," Schlotterbeck said. "We're trying to let it heal properly and do good work with the physios and rehab coaches." He is confident the remaining time will not be too long.
What role does Schlotterbeck play for the national team?
Schlotterbeck is a fixed part of Germany's defense under coach Julian Nagelsmann. Before his injury, he had played the full ninety minutes in seven of eight matches in the ongoing World Cup qualification. His absence hits the team while they remain top of their qualification group, as seen on our standings page.
Germany's next competitive matches are in October. The team hopes for the key player's return by then. The current injury list for the national team is available on our injuries overview.
What is next on the World Cup path?
Germany successfully completed the World Cup group stage in North America with two wins from two games. The victory against Ivory Coast, where Schlotterbeck was injured, was crucial. The team is now preparing for the knockout stage, whose exact pairings depend on results from other groups.
The squad has several options in central defense. Alongside established figures like Antonio Rüdiger, younger players like Armel Bella-Kotchap are ready. The complete lineup can be found in the current squad.
Schlotterbeck is now fully focused on his recovery. His goal is clear: to get fit for the national team's decisive matches in the knockout phase of the 2026 World Cup. Dortmund and the German FA are working closely to manage this process optimally.
