India, June 22 -- Germany have been dealt a big blow ahead of the World Cup knockout stage, with Nico Schlotterbeck ruled out for the rest of the tournament after suffering an ankle injury. The defender picked up the issue during Germany's latest match and was forced off at half-time, with Antonio Rudiger coming on in his place.

Scans later confirmed the setback was a serious one, with Schlotterbeck tearing a ligament in his left ankle. It is a tough loss for Germany given his role in the back line, and it leaves the team having to reshuffle defensively just as the tournament moves into the knockout rounds.

Nico Schlotterbeck's World Cup 2026 Ends After Major Injury Blow

Germany have been hit with a major setback after Nico Schlotterbe...