World Cup injury could hamper Bundesliga star’s potential move to Real Madrid – report

World Cup injury could hamper Bundesliga star’s potential move to Real Madrid – report

Real Madrid’s transfer plans may need some recalibration after an injury to one of their star defensive targets.

Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck suffered a ligament injury against Ivory Coast in the first half, but laboured on until half-time before being withdrawn.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Schlotterbeck’s injury will be assessed soon, and if it proves serious, it will be difficult for the player to move this summer.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann also confirmed that there are concerns over ligament damage and his availability for the rest of the tournament.

“Nico is suspected to have sustained a ligament injury. It’s not looking good,” he said after the game.

That is the key point for Real Madrid. A club can admire a player, a coach can want him and the price can be clear, but a major injury forces everyone to slow down.

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Schlotterbeck has been one of the more interesting defensive names linked with Real Madrid. The left-footed centre-back offers personality, aerial strength, ball progression and experience at a high level.

Dortmund had made a surprising request in talks by putting Gonzalo Garcia’s name on the table as part of the Schlotterbeck chase, but that does not seem like a feasible option.

Jose Mourinho wants more defensive authority, and Schlotterbeck looked like a player who could give the back line a different balance.

Signing an injured central defender, though, would not be straightforward. Despite the long-term upside, it is not a risk Madrid would want to take.

Nico Schlotterbeck suffered an injury. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Real Madrid must wait for the diagnosis

This is where patience matters. Until the medical assessment is complete, there is no need to draw conclusions.

Germany will hope that this ligament injury is only minor. Real Madrid will also hope for the same, as it would allow them to make a concrete attempt to sign him this summer.

Real Madrid should keep the file open, but they cannot build their defensive plan around uncertainty.

If Mourinho wants another centre-back ready for pre-season, the club may need to advance other names while monitoring Schlotterbeck’s recovery.

Regardless, this is a conversation for after the test results come out, and it remains to be seen how things play out on this front.