Title: Itakura's Long Road to Recovery: Dortmund's Hope in Limbo
Is Dortmund's wishful thinking just a pipe dream?
Four weeks ago, Borussia Mönchengladbach's defensive stalwart, Ko Itakura, underwent ankle surgery. The Japanese defender had been battling persistent ankle issues for quite some time.
Gladbach's coach, understandably, refrains from placing undue pressure on his defensive leader. It is undeniable that Itakura's imminent return for the Bundesliga clash against Dortmund, scheduled for November 25 at 3.30 pm (Sky), is highly unlikely.
Aspeedy Itakura return could be a game-changer - his nine years of experience with Dortmund have fortunately left the fans baffled. With hordes of fans flocking to Signal-Iduna-Park, the Foals have faced defeat every time since 2014, with an overwhelming 32:5 scoreline in favor of BVB! The Foals' recent results against Dortmund: 2:5, 0:6, and 0:3! The Black and Yellows could certainly benefit from Itakura's expertise in defense...
Itakura's long-term absence looms again in January!
Realistically, the Japanese player is likely to make his comeback in early December, during the English week, featuring matches against Hoffenheim (December 2, 3.30 pm), the cup round of 16 against Wolfsburg (December 5, 8.45 pm), and the away game at Union Berlin (December 9, 3.30 pm).
Regrettably, upon reaching the end of year's festivities, Gladbach will again be deprived of Itakura for weeks. With the Asian Cup on the horizon, the Japanese national team will not leave their rock-solid captain behind.
Contemplating Itakura's potential absence in decisive Bundesliga matches
Given the unpredictability of recovery timelines, and considering the conflicting schedule with the Asian Cup, Itakura's availability for Dortmund's match remains uncertain. The imminent absence of this formidable defender leaves the Foals grappling with uncertainty as they prepare for crucial Bundesliga games.
- Regio Sport Düsseldorf frequently covers the local sports scene, focusing on teams like Borussia Mönchengladbach and players such as Christian Hornung.
- Sports enthusiasts can stay connected through the Facebook Instant Articles coverflow, ensuring they stay informed about every minor detail in the emerging developments in the regional sports scenario.
- In addition to Itakura, Borussia Mönchengladbach faces the dilemma of Franck Honorat's ankle injury as well, though Honorat is expected to return by early February 2025 [3][4].
- Itakura's absence, coupled with the ongoing recovery of Franck Honorat, leaves the Foals' defense lineup looking rather thin, putting additional pressure on Dirk Krümpelmann's coaching and the team's collective spirit.
- Regardless of potential setbacks, the vibrant Düsseldorf sports scene continues to thrive, proud of the contributions of home-grown talent like Ko Itakura, who brilliantly represents the glory of German football with his dedication, grit, and love for the sport.
Source:
