Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has issued a worrying injury update on Liverpool transfer target Nico Schlotterbeck, revealing the Borussia Dortmund defender likely sustained a medial ligament problem during the World Cup group-stage match against Ivory Coast.
Injury forces early exit
Schlotterbeck was withdrawn at half-time after receiving treatment for an issue that arose just 15 minutes into the match. The 26-year-old managed to complete the first half before being replaced by Antonio Rudiger. Germany trailed at that point, with Franck Kessie having scored for Ivory Coast.
Nagelsmann said: "He has something with his medial ligament, he has to have an MRI tomorrow. It doesn't look too good – unfortunately. In the end, it is largely a tactical decision whether he can still perform. And he did very well until half-time."
Impact on Germany and transfer plans
Despite Schlotterbeck's early exit, Germany fought back to win 2-1, with Deniz Undav scoring a brace including a stoppage-time winner. The victory secured Germany's place in the knockout stages, but Nagelsmann now faces uncertainty over Schlotterbeck's availability for the remainder of the tournament.
The injury could also affect a potential summer transfer. Liverpool, Manchester United, and Real Madrid have all been linked with the defender, with Real Madrid reportedly leading the race. The Spanish giants have already secured Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, and former Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate this summer.
Other transfer targets
Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iraola is also pursuing Yan Diomande, having seen a substantial offer rejected by RB Leipzig. The 19-year-old struggled in the first half against Germany. A second, enhanced bid for Diomande is anticipated.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have already agreed a deal for promising defender Jeremy Jacquet. Following Konate's departure, a second defensive recruit seems likely. Tottenham's Micky van de Ven has been heavily linked and could leave north London, with Spurs having already signed Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, both previously on Liverpool's radar.
