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“A real shame and incredibly tough to take”: Ricken comments on Schlotterbeck’s injury

BVB defender Nico Schlotterbeck has sustained a medial ligament injury to his left ankle whilst on international duty with the German national team. In Germanys second World Cup group match against the Ivory Coast (2-1) on Saturday, Schlotterbeck was substituted at half-time after twisting his ankle in the first half and subsequently requiring treatment.

On Sunday, Schlotterbeck underwent a thorough examination at the German training camp in Winston-Salem, North Carolina (USA). Following the diagnosis, it is now clear that Schlotterbeck will be out of action for both the German national team and Borussia Dortmund for several months.

Lars Ricken, BVB’s sporting director, has already commented on Schlotterbeck’s injury: “I feel extremely sorry for Nico; he was in really good form and an indispensable part of our national team’s starting line-up. It’s a real shame and incredibly tough to take that he’s now out of the World Cup due to injury. But Nico showed last year how he can come back even stronger after an injury. He’ll do the same this time too; we’re convinced of that.”

Despite his injury, Nico Schlotterbeck will not be leaving the German squad for the time being. In their third group match, Germany – who have already qualified for the knockout stages as group winners after beating the Ivory Coast – will face Ecuador in New York on Thursday (25 June, 10:00 CEST).

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