Diagnosis in – Nico Schlotterbeck out for a long spell | OneFootball

As was feared after his injury-related substitution in Saturday’s match against Ivory Coast (2-1), the German national team will have to do without Nico Schlotterbeck for the rest of the 2026 World Cup. After thorough examinations, it is now clear that the defender’s injury is more serious than initially thought, and even the start of the new season could be at risk.

The German Football Association (DFB) has not yet officially confirmed the diagnosis, but according to matching reports from Bild and Sky, the injury Schlotterbeck suffered as early as the 13th minute in a challenge with Amad Diallo against Ivory Coast has turned out to be the suspected torn ligament in his left ankle.

Surgery is not expected to be necessary, but Schlotterbeck is facing a spell on the sidelines of at least eight weeks. While Antonio Rüdiger is likely to take over in central defense alongside Jonathan Tah for the national team, as he already did in the second half against Ivory Coast, the injury could also have far-reaching consequences for Schlotterbeck’s future.

Preseason without Schlotterbeck – Bundesliga start in jeopardy

While it had recently seemed at least possible that Real Madrid might make a move in the coming weeks to bring Schlotterbeck to the Spanish capital — with his release clause, valid until mid-July and applicable to Los Blancos among others — the transfer has certainly not become any more likely.

Photo: IMAGO

In fact, with an eight-week absence, Schlotterbeck could miss the opening Bundesliga matchday, which takes place on the last weekend of August. What seems certain is that BVB coach Niko Kovac will have to do without one of his key players for virtually the entire preseason.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.