Nico Schlotterbeck has taken another important step toward his return, with the Borussia Dortmund vice-captain back on the training pitch for individual work with the ball. Dortmund confirmed that Schlotterbeck completed his first individual sessions on Wednesday, although there is still no indication that he is ready to return to team training.
The 26-year-old has been sidelined since the 2026 World Cup after suffering a medial ligament injury to his left ankle during Germany’s 2-1 group stage victory
over Ivory Coast on June 20th. Schlotterbeck twisted the ankle during the first half, received treatment, and continued playing until halftime before being substituted. Further examinations confirmed the severity of the injury, ruling him out for the remainder of the World Cup and leaving him sidelined for several months.
The injury also forced Schlotterbeck to miss Dortmund’s entire preseason and the beginning of the Bundesliga campaign.
His return to ball work is therefore a significant milestone, even if Dortmund will understandably remain cautious. Schlotterbeck is one of the most important players in Niko Kovač’s squad, and getting their defensive leader back healthy will be a major boost.
For now, the priority is simply continued progress. But seeing Schlotterbeck back with a ball at his feet is certainly an encouraging sight for Dortmund supporters.
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