Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup after suffering an ankle ligament injury, according to multiple reports.The Borussia Dortmund centre-back has started both of Germanys games so far at the tournament, but was substituted after half-time of Saturdays 2-1 win over Ivory Coast.And he now faces eight weeks on the sideline after reportedly sustaining a torn ligament in his ankle.How will Germany replace Schlotterbeck?Schlotterbeck had been a first-choice centre-back for coach Julian Nagelsmann, who had selected him alongside Jonathan Tah for the games with Curacao and Ivory Coast.Antonio Rudiger replaced Schlotterbeck in the latter game, and the Real Madrid defender will be the favourite to start alongside Tah going forward.However, as Germany have already won Group E, their group stage game with Ecuador is meaningless for Die Mannschaft.As such, Nagelsmann has the chance to assess other options, with Schlotterbecks Borussia Dortmund team-mate Waldemar Anton and Newcastle Uniteds Malick Thiaw the other centre-backs in the Germany squad.Having already played two games, Germany cannot call up a replacement in the squad for Schlotterbeck.As it stands, Germany are scheduled to face Scotland in the round of 32, though the final round of group games may change their opponent.That contest will be Germanys first knockout game since the victory in the 2014 final, with Die Mannschaft having exited the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in the group stage. It will be the first knockout game of the tournament and take place in Foxborough on June 29. Topics 2026 FIFA World Cup Germany National Football Team Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Portugal v Uzbekistan: Preview, predicted line-ups and where to watch Nicholas McGee 22nd June, 2026 FIFA World Cup 2026: Full France fixtures, results, schedule, confirmed squad, next match, kick off times Ben Miller 22nd June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Full list of confirmed teams, fixtures, groups and results Ben Miller 22nd June, 2026 World Cup 2026: Full fixtures, dates, games, schedule and results from FIFA football finals Ben Miller 22nd June, 2026 Kylian Mbappe: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, kick off times, where to watch, confirmed news updates and full France squad Ben Miller 22nd June, 2026 Lionel Messi: World Cup 2026 playing schedule, fixtures, kick off times, where to watch, confirmed news updates and full Argentina squad Ben Miller 22nd June, 2026
