Football National Team: Völler Reacts to Schlotterbeck's World Cup Injury: 'We Must Cope'

Rudi Völler, the German Football Association's (DFB) sporting director, has reacted with concern to Nico Schlotterbeck's withdrawal from the World Cup due to injury. Völler described the situation as a "severe injury" for the player and a significant blow to the team.

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It is a severe injury for Nico. It is very unfortunate. It is bitter for us and for the boy. A World Cup is not so frequent.

"It is very unfortunate. It is bitter for us and for the boy. A World Cup is not so frequent," Völler told the German Press Agency (dpa) from Winston-Salem. He stressed that the team's focus must now shift to supporting Schlotterbeck and developing alternative strategies for the upcoming matches in the tournament.

Schlotterbeck suffered an inner ligament injury in his left ankle during Germany's 2-1 victory over Ivory Coast in Toronto on Saturday. DFB officials confirmed he will be out of action for several months. Despite his injury, Völler praised Schlotterbeck's desire to remain with the team in the USA, viewing it as a positive reflection of the team's spirit.

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We have to compensate for this and we will manage it.

Völler also confirmed that discussions with Schlotterbeck's club, Borussia Dortmund, including conversations with BVB chief Lars Ricken, were smooth. The DFB will support Schlotterbeck's stay and the medical treatment provided by the team's doctors. The 26-year-old defender's absence presents a challenge for the German squad as they navigate the tournament.

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That speaks for our team spirit.