# Nico Schlotterbeck injury and recovery

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nico-schlotterbeck-injury-and-recovery
> Updated: 2026-09-11T07:30:23.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 3.

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been recovering from a medial ligament tear in his left ankle, sustained during a FIFA World Cup match against Ivory Coast in June 2026. 

Initially, Schlotterbeck described his rehabilitation as a ‘long, drawn-out story’ after missing Dortmund’s pre-season and the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup. By early September, the defender returned to training with a ball, though he has been performing isolated sessions without opponents. 

Head coach Niko Kovac indicated that Schlotterbeck may rejoin full team training within one to two weeks. Potential return dates to the matchday squad include September 19 against Stuttgart or October 10 against Werder Bremen.

As of September 11, Schlotterbeck is nearing a return to action following continued work on his ankle injury at the training ground. Coach Niko Kovac has confirmed this positive development regarding the national player.

## Claims

- Nico Schlotterbeck has returned to individual training with a ball after a ten-week injury layoff. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Schlotterbeck suffered a medial ligament tear in his left ankle during a match against Ivory Coast. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The player missed the entire summer preparation period with Borussia Dortmund. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- A potential target for Schlotterbeck's return to the squad is the home game against Werder Bremen on October 10. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Niko Kovac hopes Nico Schlotterbeck will return to full team training within one to two weeks. (single source)
- Schlotterbeck is currently performing isolated training exercises without opponents. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Borussia Dortmund: Nico Schlotterbeck nears injury comeback

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck is nearing a comeback from an ankle injury, while the club reported recovery for players Karetsas and Riedl following circulatory issues.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/borussia-dortmund-nico-schlotterbeck-nears-injury-comeback

### 2026-09-02: Nico Schlotterbeck returns to training at Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck has resumed individual training with a ball after a ten-week injury layoff, with coach Niko Kovac aiming for a full team return within two weeks.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nico-schlotterbeck-returns-to-training-at-borussia-dortmund

### 2026-08-23: Nico Schlotterbeck provides injury update for Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund defender Nico Schlotterbeck provided an update on his ankle injury sustained during the 2026 World Cup, noting a slow recovery process and aiming for a return later this autumn.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nico-schlotterbeck-provides-update-on-long-term-injury

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Cite as: Nico Schlotterbeck injury and recovery. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nico-schlotterbeck-injury-and-recovery