Nico Schlotterbeck ruled out for Germany after new ankle injury

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of Germany’s Nations League match against Serbia after suffering another ankle problem in training.

Germany head coach Jürgen Klopp confirmed that Schlotterbeck rolled his ankle during a warm-up exercise without contact. The defender was sent for an MRI and will miss Thursday night’s game in Munich.

The latest setback is especially frustrating because Schlotterbeck only recently returned from a medial-ligament injury suffered during Germany’s 2026 World Cup campaign. That earlier problem kept him out for several months and forced him to miss the start of Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga season.

Klopp said the defender would travel to Munich for treatment before returning home, with further updates expected from the medical teams. The DFB has not yet given a timetable for his return.

DSN’s Germany v Serbia preview already identified Schlotterbeck as an important part of Klopp’s defensive options. His absence leaves Germany needing another change at the back while the national team searches for its first win under the former Liverpool manager.

Another injury concern for Dortmund

Schlotterbeck’s fitness is also a concern for Dortmund, who have started the Bundesliga season strongly and sit near the top of the table. Their next league game is against Werder Bremen on 9 October.

Dortmund will want clarity quickly because the 26-year-old is central to their build-up play as well as their defensive structure. His passing range and ability to step into midfield have made him one of the club’s most important defenders.

The injury arrives during an international window already shaped by fitness issues. DSN has also reported on Kylian Mbappé leaving the France camp with a knee problem and England’s squad changes before their Spain match.

Our sister site DGBN has also covered Germany’s Wamser completing a move to Manchester City.

Germany wait for the medical verdict

For now, the only confirmed outcome is that Schlotterbeck will not face Serbia. Germany have not announced a replacement, and Klopp said the medical teams would provide the next update once the ankle has been assessed fully.

That leaves Dortmund supporters waiting on the same question as Germany: whether this is a short interruption or another extended spell out for a defender who has only just returned from a serious ankle injury.