Previously, it was reported that Nico Schlotterbeck would be out for the current season due to a meniscus injury on his left knee, even though his recovery time was unclear at that point. Unfortunately, it has been confirmed that Nico is expected to be sidelined for six months, according to Sky Sports.
As reported by journalist Patrick Berger, Nico Schlotterbeck's extended absence is a precautionary measure to avoid further issues in the future. According to new information, Nico's meniscus was stitched and not completely removed, as it was a decision made by the doctors, the club, and the player.
Even if the rehabilitation period chosen by the involved parties is longer than anticipated, the idea is to take things slow so as to avoid eventual reoccurrences. Therefore, Schlotterbeck would be back on the pitch with fewer risks of aggravating his current injury. Hopefully, he will fully recover and step on the pitch right after this process is over.
BVB's sporting director, Sebastian Kehl, confirmed Nico has already been through surgery and said this injury picked everyone at the club by surprise:
"It all happened very quickly, Nico had his surgery on Monday evening and will miss several months. The current prognosis is around six months."Sebastian Kehl
With Nico's confirmed timeline away from Signal Iduna Park, it is rather unprovable that Dortmund's number 4 will be available for selection for both the Club World Cup and the UEFA Nations League finals, as was predicted by Ruhr Nachrichten BVB. Nico reacted emotionally in social media.