Dortmund suffers setback as Sule out for eight weeks due to injury
Borussia Dortmund is facing a challenging period in their defense, with the absence of Niklas Süle due to a calf muscle injury. The center-back, who made 21 appearances for the team in the 2024-25 season, sustained the injury during a pre-season friendly against Juventus at the Westfalenstadion and is expected to be out for around two months [1].
During his absence, Borussia Dortmund will adjust their defensive lineup. Julian Ryerson is set to drop into a three-man defense alongside Waldemar Anton and Ramy Bensebaini [1]. However, the club's senior center-back options are limited due to additional absences. Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck are unavailable early on, with Schlotterbeck's return scheduled for late October [1][4][5].
Young defenders like Elias Benkara may get opportunities to fill the gaps [4]. Meanwhile, Gregor Kobel remains the first choice in goal, providing some stability at the back [1]. This temporary reshuffle puts greater responsibility on less experienced or out-of-position players, which could affect Dortmund’s defensive solidity in the short term.
The injury comes at a crucial time for Borussia Dortmund, as they are set to begin their domestic campaign on August 15, 2025, against third-tier side Rot-Weiss Essen in the first round of the DFB-Pokal [2]. Their first Bundesliga match of the 2025-26 season is scheduled for August 23, 2025, against St. Pauli [3].
During the 2024-25 season, Borussia Dortmund finished the Bundesliga in fourth place. Among the team's defenders, Ramy Bensebaini, Nico Schlotterbeck, and Waldemar Anton made more clearances than Niklas Sule, with Sule making the fourth-highest number of clearances (56) [1].
Niko Kovac was the coach for Borussia Dortmund during the 2024-25 season. Despite the injury setback, the team will rely on versatile players and promising youngsters to bridge the gap until the core defenders return [1][4][5].
References:
- Borussia Dortmund official website
- DFB-Pokal official website
- Bundesliga official website
- Sports Illustrated
- ESPN
- Given the injury of Niklas Süle, Borussia Dortmund will need to adapt their defensive strategy, with Julian Ryerson, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini forming a three-man defense in his absence.
- In the forthcoming European leagues, particularly the Bundesliga, Borussia Dortmund's defensive solidity could be tested by the temporary absence of key center-backs, including Niklas Süle, Waldemar Anton, and Nico Schlotterbeck.
