Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has expressed confidence in his options at centre-back despite admitting they will miss Niko Schlotterbeck “hugely”.
The German Football Association on Monday confirmed reports that Schlotterbeck will miss the remainder of the World Cup due to an ankle injury.
Schlotterbeek played the first half of the 2-1 win over Ivory Coast before being replaced by Antonio Rudiger.
In a press releaseThe German Football Association said that Schlotterbeck will be out of action for “several months” after suffering an injury to the medial ligament in his left ankle. Previous reports stated that Schlotterbeck suffered a torn ligament.
Schlotterbeek, who started the first two matches, will remain in camp instead of returning home.
Nagelsmann: Germany is still well equipped at centre-back
After Germany had already won Group E, Nagelsmann had enough time to evaluate his options at the heart of defence. Their final group stage match with Ecuador is a tough rubber for the Germans, although the South American side needs to win to have a chance of qualifying.
“We will miss Schlote greatly on the field,” Nagelsmann said.
“He is a great defender and his ability to play from the back is exceptional. He could have played a big role in this World Cup.
“We all tried to lift his spirits yesterday and fortunately, he is a very positive person and is already looking to the future. The fact that he is still here with the team at the moment is a nice gesture because he also has an influence off the pitch.
“Despite his loss, we are still well equipped at centre-back for the World Cup with Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rudiger, Waldemar Anton and Malik Thiaw.”
Real Madrid defender Rudiger will be the favorite to slot in at centre-back in the knockout stages.
Germany are set to face Scotland in the round of 32, although the final round of group matches could change their opponent.
This match will be Germany’s first match in the knockout stages since winning the 2014 final, after the Germans were eliminated from the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in the group stage. It will be the first knockout match of the tournament and will be played in Foxborough on June 29.
