Ryerson also has problems
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BVB coach Nuri Şahin spoke emotionally about the injury to defense chief Nico Schlotterbeck after the bitter 2-3 defeat in the Champions League against FC Barcelona. “The pictures are terrible. “You have to wait and endure the hours,” said the 36-year-old. “It will be difficult, a sleepless night. We’ll have to see how it develops.” Şahin was visibly dejected.
Immediately before the final whistle, central defender Schlotterbeck landed unhappily on the grass following a header and, worryingly, sprained his right ankle. He had to be transported off the lawn on a stretcher. The German international was then taken to hospital.
“He’s obviously depressed. It would be a catastrophe if he were to fail too,” continued Şahin. Things “don’t look good.” According to sports director Sebastian Kehl, Schlotterbeck will be examined on Thursday. “It looked very bad,” he also admitted. “We hope we don’t have to be without him for so long.” Schlotterbeck’s foot was later bandaged.
BVB professional Ryerson also has health problems
For full-back Julian Ryerson, the game against the Spaniards, coached by former national coach Hansi Flick, also went differently than planned. The 27-year-old did not return to the pitch after half-time. “We had to change Julian Ryerson because he had problems with his circulation,” explained Şahin. Looking at the already long and prominent injury list, he said dejectedly: “That’s just right.”
Against Barça he had to do without playmaker Julian Brandt (28), attacker Maximilian Beier (22) and the two central defenders Waldemar Anton (28) and Niklas Süle (29). Süle is out longer. When asked whether Şahin had hope that Anton could be available again on Sunday in the Bundesliga against TSG Hoffenheim, he replied: “I would say: no. But I can’t rule out the possibility that it could work.”
Şahin currently does not have a regular central defender available. Captain Emre Can (30) had already taken on the role on a makeshift basis several times in the past few weeks, but the place next to him would now also be vacant. Since talented Filippo Mané (19) is also out injured, Yannik Lührs (21), who made his Bundesliga debut on matchday 10 against Mainz 05 (1:3), is likely to join the pros again in the coming games. Elias Benkara, who was only 17 years old, was also in the squad against Barça.
If Schlotterbeck is also out for a long time, Dortmund’s no to winter transfers is likely to be shaken. “I have to be careful what I say now,” said Şahin when asked about possible reinforcements. Of course, the defense center is now “not a bed of roses”. During the winter break we will “reanalyze the situation” and see what happens, added the BVB coach.