The Borussia Dortmund defender picked up the injury during Germany's 2-1 Group E win over the Ivory Coast on Saturday. He had to leave the game at half-time, and Antonio Rudiger took his place. Scans the following day confirmed a torn ligament in his left ankle.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSchlotterbeck suffered an injury to the medial collateral ligament in his left ankle and will be out for several months. The defender of German runners-up Borussia Dortmund will stay with the team in the USA for now,\u201d Germany said in a statement on Monday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The injury cuts short what had been a promising World Cup run for the 26-year-old, who had become a key player in Julian Nagelsmann's defense. Since the tournament is already happening, Germany cannot call up a replacement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nagelsmann shared his frustration over losing one of his top defenders but praised Schlotterbeck's spirit after the injury.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSchlotti will be greatly missed on the pitch as an outstanding defender, especially for his excellent build-up play,\u201d Nagelsmann said. \u201cIt could have been his World Cup. Yesterday, we all tried to lift his spirits \u2013 fortunately, he is a very positive character who is already looking ahead.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The German coach also pointed out the player's value to the squad beyond his on-field performance. \u201cIt is a very positive sign that he will initially stay with the team, because he also has an influence off the pitch. Despite his absence, we are still in a good place in central defense for the World Cup with Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rudiger, Waldemar Anton, and Malick Thiaw,\u201d Nagelsmann said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cSchlotti will be greatly missed on the pitch as an outstanding defender, especially for his excellent build-up play,\u201d Nagelsmann said. \u201cIt could have been his World Cup. Yesterday, we all tried to lift his spirits \u2013 fortunately, he is a very positive character who is already looking ahead.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Nagelsmann's team will finish their group-stage campaign against Ecuador on Thursday before shifting their focus to the knockout rounds. <\/p>\r\n\r\n