Dortmund suffers a setback as Sule is sideline-bound for two months
Borussia Dortmund's Defense Takes a Hit with Niklas Süle's Injury
Niklas Süle, a key defender for Borussia Dortmund, is set to miss the start of the 2025-26 season due to a calf muscle injury sustained during the pre-season friendly against Juventus[1][2][3][4][5]. The injury occurred in the first half of the game, played at Westfalenstadion, and forced Süle to be substituted out before the second half[6][7].
The injury is expected to keep Süle sidelined for approximately two months, ruling him out until mid-October 2025[1][2][3][4][5]. This means he will miss at least seven Bundesliga fixtures, including the first match of the season against St. Pauli on August 23[8].
Süle's absence is a significant blow to Dortmund's defensive options for the upcoming season. In the 2024-25 season, he made 21 appearances and contributed 56 clearances, making him one of the team's top defenders[9]. His absence, coupled with the ongoing injuries to Nico Schlotterbeck (knee injury) and Emre Can (adductor injury), leaves Head Coach Niko Kovač with a depleted natural centre-back pool[1][2][3][4].
Waldemar Anton is the only experienced natural centre-back available, which may force increased playing time for less experienced defenders like Yan Couto and Almugera Kabar[2][4]. The situation could also see the integration of youngsters from Dortmund’s reserve team such as Yannik Lührs and Filippo Mané[2][4].
The injury comes at a critical time for Dortmund, who will begin their domestic campaign next Monday in the first round of the DFB-Pokal against Rot-Weiss Essen, a third-tier side[10]. The team finished the 2024-25 Bundesliga in fourth place[11].
With key defenders out, Dortmund's defensive stability could be impacted, and the team will need to adapt quickly to integrate less experienced players until Süle and others return in October.
References: 1. BBC Sport 2. Sky Sports 3. Goal 4. ESPN 5. DW 6. The Guardian 7. The Independent 8. Borussia Dortmund Official Website 9. Whoscored 10. Borussia Dortmund Official Website 11. Transfermarkt
Football will pose a challenge for Borussia Dortmund's defense without key player Niklas Süle, who is set to miss the start of the 2025-26 season due to an injury. The European leagues will be closely watching how Dortmund adapts to his absence, especially in light of ongoing injuries to Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can.
