Liverpool target Nico Schlotterbeck suffers World Cup ligament injury
Germany defender Nico Schlotterbeck has suffered a suspected medial ligament injury during a World Cup group-stage victory over Ivory Coast, potentially jeopardising a summer transfer to Liverpool.
The Borussia Dortmund centre-back was withdrawn at half-time after initially attempting to play through the issue.
He received treatment from medical staff just 15 minutes into the contest before being replaced by Antonio Rudiger.
Nagelsmann pessimistic over scanner results
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed the 26-year-old requires an immediate scan to determine the severity of the damage.
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.
The national team ultimately secured their place in the tournament’s knockout stages without the imposing defender.
A late brace from Deniz Undav completed a dramatic comeback victory after Franck Kessie had opened the scoring for the African side.
Anfield rebuild continues under Iraola
A prolonged spell on the sidelines could severely impact an anticipated summer move to the Premier League.
The Merseyside club are facing fierce competition from Manchester United and Real Madrid for the highly-rated stopper.
New Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola is actively reshaping his squad following the departure of Ibrahima Konate to the Spanish capital.
Defensive reinforcements remain a priority at Anfield despite the recent acquisition of highly-rated prospect Jeremy Jacquet.
The Reds are also preparing an improved offer for RB Leipzig forward Yan Diomande after seeing a significant initial bid rejected.
Tottenham’s Micky van de Ven represents an alternative defensive target for the Premier League giants.
