Nico Schlotterbeck provides positive injury update: 'I believe it won't take much longer'
Quick summary
Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck says his recovery from injury is progressing well and a return should come soon.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceSchlotterbeck hasn’t played a competitive match since 20 June, when he sustained the injury to his ankle in Germany’s second group-stage match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against Ivory Coast.
His tournament was over, and Dortmund knew then they would have to begin the 2026/27 campaign without their defensive leader.
Speaking in an interview with Sky , Schlotterbeck put it simply: “It’s basically a long, drawn‑out story.”
“It wasn’t easy at the World Cup. At first, I thought it wasn’t that bad and kept playing,” he added.
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What happened
Nico Schlotterbeck has given an encouraging update on his fitness, stating he believes he is close to returning from his current injury layoff. The Borussia Dortmund centre-back and Germany international has been sidelined but expressed optimism about the timeline. No specific return date has been confirmed, but his comments suggest he is in the later stages of rehabilitation and could feature for Dortmund in upcoming Bundesliga fixtures.
Chance analysis
Schlotterbeck's update is a boost for Borussia Dortmund, who have been without one of their most reliable defenders. As a regular starter and a Germany international, his absence has been felt at the back, and his imminent return should stabilize Dortmund's defensive structure heading into a critical stretch of the season. The lack of a firm return date keeps some uncertainty, but the tone from the player himself is clearly positive.
Dortmund's defensive options strengthen as Schlotterbeck edges closer to a return, reducing the burden on replacement centre-backs.