German team suffers heavy blow! 55-million-euro defensive linchpin confirmed with torn ligament, out for 6-8 weeks, bids farewell to World Cup early.

According to reports from several reputable German media sources on June 22 (Beijing time), an MRI scan has confirmed that German defender Nico Schlotterbeck, aged 26, has a torn ligament in his left ankle. He will be out for 6 to 8 weeks and thus has to say goodbye to the World Cup early. This news deals a severe blow to the German national team.

Previously, Schlotterbeck started in Germany's first two group stage matches. In the opening game against Curacao, he even scored a goal.

In the second match against Ivory Coast, Schlotterbeck suffered an injury just 14 minutes into the game. Despite playing through the pain, he was ultimately substituted at halftime.

After the match, German head coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed his concern in an interview: "His situation doesn't look good. What a pity!"

The post-match MRI results came as a thunderbolt for both Schlotterbeck and the German team. It is reported that Real Madrid center-back Antonio Rüdiger is expected to replace Schlotterbeck in Germany's starting lineup.

If Schlotterbeck is indeed sidelined for several weeks, not only will he be unable to participate in any more World Cup matches, but his chances of transferring to Real Madrid will also significantly decrease.

After a disappointing season, Real Madrid plans to undergo a major overhaul, is looking to strengthen their defense, and is closely monitoring the market.

It is said that Real Madrid's new coach José Mourinho greatly admires Schlotterbeck. The German national team's starting center-back is currently valued at 55 million euros.