Nico Schlotterbeck has provided an update on the injury he suffered with the Germany national team at the 2026 World Cup. The Borussia Dortmund defender injured his ankle in the match against Ivory Coast on June 20th and has been sidelined since. In an interview with Sky Germany this week, the 26-year-old discussed his lengthy rehabilitation process. "It's basically a long, drawn-out story," Schlotterbeck said. "We have to take it day by day. I believe it won't take much longer."
How serious is Schlotterbeck's injury?
The injury proved more persistent than initially thought. Schlotterbeck continued playing during the World Cup tournament before the full extent of the problem became clear. The defender subsequently missed Borussia Dortmund's entire pre-season for the new campaign. He also could not feature in the DFL-Supercup against Bayern Munich, which Dortmund lost 1-2. The club had originally targeted a return around the September or October international break. This timeline has had to be adjusted as the healing process requires more time.
When will Schlotterbeck return?
A concrete date for his comeback is not yet set. Borussia Dortmund's medical department continues to monitor the ankle before clearing Schlotterbeck for full first-team training. His absence is a significant blow for BVB, who are also without captain Emre Can. Sporting director Ole Book praised the attitude of both players. "I see both of them fully motivated every day," Book explained. "During their rehab, they both contribute enormously as leaders – to the team, to the togetherness, to the group." Schlotterbeck's return will be important for defensive stability once the fixture schedule ramps up with Bundesliga and European matches after the international break.
What is the status of the Germany national team?
The injury to a key player like Schlotterbeck also impacts the German FA. The centre-back was a mainstay in the squad that competed at the 2026 World Cup on home soil. The current national team squad shows the available options in defence. Germany's next official competitive matches are the qualifiers for the 2030 World Cup. The exact schedule can be found on our fixtures page. The stats page also documents Schlotterbeck's previous appearances and performances for the national team.
What does this mean for Dortmund's season start?
Borussia Dortmund will begin the 2026/27 Bundesliga season without Schlotterbeck. The first match is against Hamburger SV at Signal Iduna Park on August 29th. The team must reorganise its defence. Dortmund's injury situation is documented in our injuries overview. The upcoming tasks for BVB are demanding, and the return of an experienced defender like Schlotterbeck is urgently needed. His comeback is intended to solidify the backline once domestic and European fixtures resume.
