World Cup Over for Germany's Starting Center-Back

Germany's national team has been dealt a significant blow with the confirmation of Nico Schlotterbeck's severe injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the World Cup.

The Borussia Dortmund center-back sustained a ruptured medial ligament in his left ankle during the match against Ivory Coast.

The diagnosis was confirmed following an MRI scan, dashing initial hopes that the injury was not serious. The German international, who boasts 29 caps, is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of two months.

Schlotterbeck picked up the injury early in the encounter with the African side. Despite receiving treatment with ice and briefly returning to the pitch, he was ultimately substituted at halftime by Antonio Rudiger.