He is absent both against St. Pauli and B.V.B.
Borussia Dortmund Faces Defensive Crisis Ahead of New Season
Borussia Dortmund is currently in a severe defensive crisis due to a series of injuries to key players. The most recent setback is the calf injury sustained by Niklas Süle during a pre-season test match against Juventus Turin, which will keep him sidelined for about two months [2][5].
Süle, who is 29 years old, had already missed two months of the previous season due to syndesmosis injuries [6]. His absence, combined with the unavailability of Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck due to persistent adductor problems and a meniscus tear respectively, has left Dortmund's defensive personnel critically depleted [1][2].
Full-backs Yan Couto and Julian Ryerson are also doubts for the season opener, with Couto stretchered off with a knee injury and Ryerson suffering a calf blow [1][4]. This leaves Borussia Dortmund with only Waldemar Anton and Filippo Mane as nominal centre backs available.
In light of these challenges, coach Niko Kovač has vowed to find the right solutions for the upcoming matches [3]. Potential strategies include relying on available squad members, promoting youth defenders, making tactical adjustments, and closely monitoring recovery timelines to maximize the chances of key players returning for important fixtures.
Dortmund is set to play the first round DFB-Pokal match against Rot-Weiss Essen next Monday with these limited defensive options [7]. The club announced the injury status of Niklas Süle on Monday, confirming that he will miss the season opener against FC St. Pauli on August 23 [8].
This defensive crisis comes at a crucial time for Borussia Dortmund, as they approach the start of the new season. The team is already under pressure to perform well and secure a strong position in the Bundesliga. With the current state of their defense, it remains to be seen how they will fare in the upcoming matches.
[1] Borussia Dortmund face defensive crisis as Niklas Süle ruled out for two months - BBC Sport [2] Borussia Dortmund's Niklas Süle out for two months with calf injury - ESPN [3] Borussia Dortmund to rely on youth and tactical adjustments to address defensive issues - Goal.com [4] Borussia Dortmund's Yan Couto injured in pre-season friendly against Juventus - The Guardian [5] Borussia Dortmund's Niklas Süle suffers calf injury in pre-season friendly against Juventus - Sky Sports [6] Niklas Süle's injury history - Transfermarkt [7] Borussia Dortmund's DFB-Pokal match against Rot-Weiss Essen - DW.com [8] Borussia Dortmund announce Niklas Süle's injury and his absence for the season opener - Kicker.de
- Due to Niklas Süle's calf injury, Borussia Dortmund might find their upcoming football matches challenging, as their defensive line-up is considerably weakened for the next couple of months.
- With the injuries to key defenders like Niklas Süle, Emre Can, and Nico Schlotterbeck, Borussia Dortmund's football squad, especially in sports related to defense, faces a tough start to the new season.
