Image Credits: Imago Images
Nico Schlotterbeck was ruled out for the remainder of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the Germany defender suffered an ankle injury against Ivory Coast.
Schlotterbeck went down early in the first half following a challenge with Amad Diallo but continued until the break before being replaced by Antonio Rudiger.
Speaking after the game, the then manager Julian Nagelsmann said: “It’s something with his ligament. It definitely doesn’t look good, unfortunately.”
An MRI scan later confirmed a torn ligament in his left ankle, with the German FA (DFB) confirming the injury will keep him sidelined for several months.
Germany went on to beat Ivory Coast 2-1 thanks to a late Deniz Undav winner, but Schlotterbeck was unable to join the celebrations despite taking a place on the bench in the second half.
Liverpool have been linked with a move for the Borussia Dortmund defender, with DaveOCKOP.com reporting in May that the Reds could make an approach for the 26-year-old. His representatives had previously visited the AXA Training Centre during last season.
Schlotterbeck extended his Dortmund contract until 2031, but according to Sky Germany, the new deal included an exit clause that expired on Wednesday, July 15.
BILD reported the clause was worth between €50million and €60million and was only available to three clubs, including Real Madrid and Liverpool. Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich were not among the clubs able to activate the clause.
Dortmund expect Schlotterbeck to return from injury in the autumn. The defender joined the club from SC Freiburg in 2022 for €20million.
“That will take a few more weeks. We have to be honest about that. Whether that’s before or after the first international break, we’ll see how his recovery progresses,” said Dortmund’s sporting director Lars Ricken on Monday at the start of pre-season training.
Last season, Schlotterbeck scored five goals in the Bundesliga, with only new Brighton signing Luka Vuskovic managing more among defenders, having netted six times.