GERMANY star Nico Schlotterbeck could be sidelined for the rest of the World Cup after suffering an injury against Ivory Coast.

Schlotterbeck, 26, started for Julian Nagelsmann’s side on over the African nation at the Toronto Stadium in Canada.

Nico Schlotterbeck of Germany is attended to by trainers during the 2026 FIFA World Cup game.Germany star Nico Schlotterbeck could be sidelined for the rest of the World Cup Credit: Alamy A German soccer player sitting on the field receiving medical attention from a team official, while a referee and goalkeeper stand nearby.Schlotterbeck suffering a knee injury against Ivory Coast Credit: AP:Associated Press

However, the centre-back sustained a knee issue during the first half and appeared to struggle before half-time.

Thus, Nagelsmann, 38, decided to haul the star off as he replaced him with Antonio Rudiger before the second half.

And the German tactician revealed after the match that hurt his ligaments.

The ex-Bayern Munich boss added that it is “not looking good”.

said: “Nico is suspected to have sustained a ligament injury. It’s not looking good.”

Football insider Fabrizio Romano later reported that Schlotterbeck’s World Cup campaign may now be over.

It seems highly unlikely that the defender will be part of ‘s squad for Thursday’s final match in the group stage against Ecuador.

And there is no confirmation from the German national team on whether the former Freiburg star could become available at any stage of the competition.

German soccer player Schlotterbeck sitting on the field receiving medical attention from two staff members.Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann confirmed Schlotterbeck’s injury is ‘not looking good’ Credit: EPA Two German soccer players on the field, one sitting and one standing, during a World Cup match.Schlotterbeck injured his ligaments during the win over Ivory Coast Credit: AP:Associated Press

Nagelsmann has Schlotterbeck’s Dortmund team-mate Waldemar Anton, Real Madrid’s Rudiger, Bayern’s Jonathan Tah and Newcastle’s Malick Thiaw as other options at centre-back.

And the former RB Leipzig boss played with three at the back against Ivory Coast.

Germany have sealed their place in the Last 32 after also thrashing Curacao 7-1 in their opener last week.

Die Mannschaft were 1-0 down when they lost Schlotterbeck following Franck Kessie’s opener.

But a by second-half substitute Deniz Undav saved Nagelsmann’s blushes.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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