Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleGermany's World Cup campaign has suffered a significant blow with central defender Nico Schlotterbeck ruled out for the remainder of the tournament due to an ankle ligament injury. Schlotterbeck sustained a torn medial collateral ligament in his left ankle during Germany's 2-1 Group E victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday, necessitating his substitution at half-time. The Borussia Dortmund player faces several months on the sidelines but will remain with the squad in the USA, as coach Julian Nagelsmann is unable to call up a replacement player. Nagelsmann expressed disappointment over Schlotterbeck's absence, acknowledging his importance to the team's defence and build-up play, but affirmed confidence in the remaining central defensive options. Despite this setback, Germany have already secured top spot in their group and advanced to the knockout stage for the first time in 12 years, with their final group stage fixture against Ecuador scheduled for Thursday. In fullGermany rocked by World Cup injury blow as key player ruled out for rest of the tournamentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in