According to Bild, Dortmund have drawn up a detailed rehabilitation plan for Germany international Schlotterbeck after his World Cup injury forced him to withdraw early, with the hope that he can return to match fitness by mid-September.

Schlotterbeck had hoped for his own "summer fairy tale" at the World Cup, but it ended in a nightmare. He suffered an injury to the medial ligament in his left ankle during Germany's 2-1 group stage victory over Côte d'Ivoire. Germany was then eliminated in a penalty shootout against Paraguay in the knockout stage, failing to advance. With his World Cup dream shattered, he also had to begin a long period of recovery.

Reports indicate that Schlotterbeck has agreed on a comeback plan with Dortmund management. The player will first go on vacation with his family to mentally recover from the World Cup exit and his injury, before returning to Dortmund to begin rehabilitation training. He previously admitted on social media: "I feel terrible right now, I'm disappointed and empty, and honestly don't know how to process all of this. But I promise everyone that I will overcome this injury and do everything I can to return stronger than before, until I'm back on the field."

Over the next 4 to 6 weeks, Schlotterbeck will still need to wear a special protective rehabilitation boot and will be limited to little training beyond strength work. As a result, he will not join the team for the preseason tour in Japan from July 26 to August 2, but will remain at Dortmund's Brackel training ground for individual rehabilitation.

Dortmund hope Schlotterbeck can return by mid-September at the latest to once again assist coach Kovac.

Meanwhile, this injury has largely put an end to the transfer rumors surrounding Schlotterbeck this summer. Reports suggest that the release clause in his contract, valid until July 19 (one week after the World Cup final), is not expected to be triggered. Real Madrid, who were previously interested in signing him, have already signed Konate on a free transfer and plan to continue pursuing Inter defender Bastoni.

Schlotterbeck will therefore now dedicate all his energy to his rehabilitation and comeback.

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