Nico Schlotterbeck’s World Cup is over through injury

Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the rest of the World Cup through injury, Sky Germany confirms.

The Borussia Dortmund defender sustained an ankle injury during the first half of Germany’s match against the Ivory Coast, which Die Mannschaft won 2-1. Schlotterbeck did continue to play the remainder of the first half but was then substituted at halftime for Antonio Rudiger. Schlotterbeck did continue to play the remainder of the first half but was then substituted at halftime for Antonio Rudiger.

An MRI scan has confirmed that Schlotterbeck will be sidelined for several weeks and, therefore, will miss the rest of Germany’s World Cup.

Germany have already qualified for the Round of 32 with a game to spare. Rudiger will come into the starting XI as his replacement, with Waldemar Anton as an additional back-up from the bench.

It’s a bitter blow for Germany and Schlotterbeck, who has been a reliable figure in the German defence for some time.