Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of the World Cup with an ankle injury, German media reported on Monday.
Outlets including Bild and Sky said the Borussia Dortmund player suffered torn ligaments in his left ankle in the 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast on Saturday.
The 26-year-old, the only left-footed central defender in the German squad, is expected to be out for around two months, leaving him unable to play a further part in the tournament.
Real Madrid star Antonio Rüdiger is likely to take Scholtterbeck's place in the starting XI for the final Group C match against Ecuador on Thursday, having replaced Schlotterbeck at half-time in Toronto.
Other centre-backs in the squad include Schlotterbeck’s Dortmund teammate Waldemar Anton and Malick Thiaw, with Germany already assured of top spot in the group after the wins over Curaçao and Ivory Coast.
The injury is the third to hit Germany in recent weeks, with Bayern Munich youngster Lennart Karl having been hurt in training before the first game and his teammate Serge Gnabry also being ruled out before the tournament.
Manager Julian Nagelsmann will be unable to replace Schlotterbeck in the squad, as FIFA rules state that only goalkeepers can be called up during the tournament.
