Ankle injury forces Schlotterbeck out of Nations League squad

Nico Schlotterbeck, centre‑back of Borussia Dortmund, is ruled out of the German squad for the UEFA Nations League matches in October against Serbia and Greece due to an ankle ligament injury. The DFB confirmation follows his full 90‑minute appearance against the Netherlands, his 30th international cap, after he had been in the starting eleven.

Injury Course and Medical Assessment

During a training session on Wednesday, Schlotterbeck suffered an ankle ligament injury that immediately kept him out of further training. On the pitch he covered his face before being examined by the medical team, including Dr. Jochen Hahne. The German Football Association (DFB) ordered an MRI to determine the extent of the foot injury. The DFB then confirmed that he will not be available for the upcoming Nations League matches.

The current injury follows an earlier ankle injury that Schlotterbeck already ended during the 2026 World Cup. At that time he was substituted in the group match against the Ivory Coast and missed several months. After his return he featured in a 3‑0 victory over SC Paderborn, where he played 77 minutes, and then completed a full match against VfB Stuttgart.

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Previous Appearances for the National Team

Last weekend Schlotterbeck featured in Jürgen Klopp in his first appearance as coach of the German national team. He played the full match against the Netherlands, which ended 1‑1 and also marked his 30th cap. In the subsequent fixture against Greece in Augsburg he was absent from the squad, even though the team lost 1‑0. Thus his contribution to the current Nations League phase remains limited.

Implications for Germany and Borussia Dortmund

The DFB has not yet named a replacement for the centre‑back position, and the length of his absence remains unclear. For Borussia Dortmund the injury represents another defensive problem, as the team will face Werder Bremen on 9 October as part of the Bundesliga opening round. Coach and medical staff hope that Schlotterbeck will be fit for action soon after the examinations are completed.

The information was provided by Marc Schueler from the football association.