World Cup injury could hamper Bundesliga star’s potential move to Real Madrid – report

World Cup injury could hamper Bundesliga star’s potential move to Real Madrid – report

class="wp-block-paragraph">Real Madrid’s transfer plans may need some recalibration after an injury to one of their star defensive targets.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Borussia Dortmund star Nico Schlotterbeck suffered a ligament injury against Ivory Coast in the first half, but laboured on until half-time before being withdrawn.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">According to Fabrizio Romano, Schlotterbeck’s injury will be assessed soon, and if it proves serious, it will be difficult for the player to move this summer.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann also confirmed that there are concerns over ligament damage and his availability for the rest of the tournament.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">“Nico is suspected to have sustained a ligament injury. It’s not looking good,” he said after the game.

class="wp-block-paragraph">That is the key point for Real Madrid. A club can admire a player, a coach can want him and the price can be clear, but a major injury forces everyone to slow down.

Madrid liked the profile

class="wp-block-paragraph">Schlotterbeck has been one of the more interesting defensive names linked with Real Madrid. The left-footed centre-back offers personality, aerial strength, ball progression and experience at a high level.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Dortmund had made a surprising request in talks by putting Gonzalo Garcia’s name on the table as part of the Schlotterbeck chase, but that does not seem like a feasible option.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Jose Mourinho wants more defensive authority, and Schlotterbeck looked like a player who could give the back line a different balance.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Signing an injured central defender, though, would not be straightforward. Despite the long-term upside, it is not a risk Madrid would want to take.

Nico Schlotterbeck suffered an injury. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)

Real Madrid must wait for the diagnosis

class="wp-block-paragraph">This is where patience matters. Until the medical assessment is complete, there is no need to draw conclusions.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Germany will hope that this ligament injury is only minor. Real Madrid will also hope for the same, as it would allow them to make a concrete attempt to sign him this summer.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Real Madrid should keep the file open, but they cannot build their defensive plan around uncertainty.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">If Mourinho wants another centre-back ready for pre-season, the club may need to advance other names while monitoring Schlotterbeck’s recovery.

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class="wp-block-paragraph">Regardless, this is a conversation for after the test results come out, and it remains to be seen how things play out on this front.