Great concern for Nico Schlotterbeck: Borussia Dortmund’s central defender had to be carried off the field on a stretcher after the final whistle of the Champions League game against FC Barcelona (2:3).
“It would be a disaster if he were also out,” said coach Nuri Sahin on “DAZN”. “The pictures are terrible, but you have to endure the moment of shock. It will be difficult – a sleepless night,” he added at the press conference afterwards.
In the last action of the game, Schlotterbeck landed on his foot with a header and was left lying there with his face distorted in pain. The national player immediately held his ankle and had his hands in front of his face while on the stretcher.
BVB sports director Sebastian Kehl said: “The foot is heavily bandaged. We will examine it and wait.”
Ryerson substituted against Barcelona with circulatory problems
Another failure in the defense center would hit Dortmund Borussia hard. Niklas Süle will be out for months and Waldemar Anton is also injured. With Schlotterbeck, who may now also be facing a long forced break, the last experienced central defender will be out. Captain Emre Can helped out in central defense against Barcelona.
In addition, full-back Julian Ryerson had to be substituted with circulatory problems. He was replaced by Yan Couto at halftime. “We hope this isn’t serious,” said Kehl.
On Sunday (5:30 p.m./DAZN) BVB will play against TSG Hoffenheim. It is possible that Sahin will now rely on youth in the defense center and help Yannik Lührs make his starting debut. The 21-year-old came on as a substitute for the first time in the Bundesliga against Mainz 05 (1:3).