Germany beat Ivory Coast 2-1, but the win came with a major setback for Julian Nagelsmann’s squad. Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck injured his ankle in the first half, yet he stayed on the pitch until halftime before being replaced by Antonio Rudiger.
An MRI later confirmed that Schlotterbeck will be sidelined for several weeks, which means he cannot return during the tournament. The injury effectively ends his World Cup campaign.
The timing is especially unfortunate for Germany, which has already secured a place in the round of 32 and still has one group-stage match left. Schlotterbeck had become one of the team’s defensive pillars and had been in particularly steady form for the national side.
He also opened the tournament with a goal and was notably active and dangerous on set pieces, making his absence a significant blow for Germany’s continuing World Cup run.