Germany lose key starter to injury for rest of the Cup, says journalist

A blow for Germany!

According to Florian Plettenberg, Nico Schlotterbeck is out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Sky Germany journalist reported that, after MRI scans, an ankle injury to Julian Nagelsmann’s starting center-back was confirmed, and he will not be fit in time to play the rest of the tournament.

"Bitter news for Germany: Nico Schlotterbeck’s World Cup is over.

MRI scans confirmed he will be out for several weeks after the ankle injury to his left foot suffered against Ivory Coast. Antonio Rüdiger is expected to replace him for now," the journalist posted on X.

After beating Ivory Coast, Germany lead Group E with 6 points and have already qualified.

The Africans are in second place with 3 points and still need to fight for qualification in the final round.

On Thursday the 25th, the teams return to the pitch.

Germany will face Ecuador in New Jersey, while Ivory Coast will play Curaçao in Philadelphia.

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