Liverpool transfer target Nico Schlotterbeck has seen his World Cup participation placed into doubt after suffering a possible ligament injury, according to Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann.
The Borussia Dortmund defender was taken off at half-time of their group-stage clash against Ivory Coast after receiving treatment from physios for an issue picked up after just 15 minutes. The 26-year-old managed to see out the half before being replaced by Antonio Rudiger for the second period.
When asked about Schlotterbeck, Nagelsmann was unable to offer a positive update. He 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.”
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Germany were behind when Schlotterbeck was forced off with Franck Kessie on target for the Ivory Coast. Fellow Liverpool target Yan Diomande endured a mixed first half for his nation in the wake of Liverpool seeing a significant transfer bid rejected by RB Leipzig.
With the 19-year-old unable to help the Ivory Coast increase their advantage, Germany came back into proceedings and a 26-minute brace from Deniz Undav, with the latter strike deep into added time, sealing their comeback victory.
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Germany are now through to the knockout stages but Nagelsmann will be concerned by Schlotterbeck’s injury, which if severe enough, could rule him out for the remainder of the tournament.
It could even impact a potential transfer this summer with Liverpool joined by Manchester United and Real Madrid in the race for his signature. The latter is his most likely destination with the Spanish giants already signing Bernardo Silva, Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella and former Liverpool star Ibrahima Konate.
The transfer priority for new manager Andoni Iraola currently appears to be further forward with a second and improved offer for Diomande expected.
View 2 ImagesYan Diomande faced up against Nico Schlotterbeck at the World Cup on Saturday
A deal for Jeremy Jacquet has already been agreed with the young defender set to strengthen Liverpool’s options at the back. Having lost Konate, a second defensive addition appears likely.
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Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven has been strongly linked and could be moved on with the north London club having already brought in Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke, who were both believed to be of interest to Liverpool.
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