Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is confident in his options at centre-back despite conceding they will miss Nico Schlotterbeck “enormously”.
The German FA (DFB) on Monday confirmed reports Schlotterbeck will miss the rest of the World Cup with an ankle injury.
Schlotterbeck played the first half of the 2-1 win over Ivory Coast before being replaced by Antonio Rudiger.
In a news release, the DFB said Schlotterbeck would be out for “several months” having suffered medial ligament damage in his left ankle. Earlier reports said Schlotterbeck had torn the ligament.
Schlotterbeck, who has started each of their first two games, will remain in the camp rather than flying home.
Nagelsmann: Germany still well equipped at centre-back
With Germany having already clinched Group E, Nagelsmann has time to assess his options at centre-back. Their final group game with Ecuador is essentially a dead rubber for Die Mannschaft, though the South American side need to win to have a chance of progressing.
“We’ll miss Schlotti enormously on the pitch,” Nagelsmann said.
“He’s an outstanding defender and his ability to play out from the back is exceptional. He could have played a big role at this World Cup.
“We all tried to lift his spirits yesterday and fortunately, he’s a very positive person who is already looking ahead. The fact that he’s staying here with the squad for now is a lovely gesture because he also has an influence off the pitch.
“Despite losing him, we’re still very well equipped at centre-back for the World Cup with Jonathan Tah, Antonio Rudiger, Waldemar Anton and Malick Thiaw.”
Real Madrid defender Rudiger will be the favourite to step in at centre-back for the knockout rounds.
As it stands, Germany are scheduled to face Scotland in the round of 32, though the final round of group games may change their opponent.
That contest will be Germany’s first knockout game since the victory in the 2014 final, with Die Mannschaft having exited the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in the group stage. It will be the first knockout game of the tournament and take place in Foxborough on June 29.
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