Arsenal - Borussia Dortmund
Arsenal - Borussia Dortmund
Young players returning from earlier setbacks can find their first minutes back on the pitch cut short by a new problem. An ankle twist that forces an immediate exit leaves the severity unclear until further tests are completed. Those moments add to a sequence of interruptions that have already limited involvement since arrival.
Managers assessing the situation often note the lack of fortune experienced so far. Further testing is required before any clear timeline can be established. The next fixture in Europe becomes the immediate concern while the extent of the damage is determined.
A previous episode that required a stretcher and hospital treatment remains in the background. Comments ahead of the match acknowledged that the player had not yet returned to previous levels. The latest injury occurs only eight minutes after entering the game as a substitute.
Borussia Dortmund were rocked by an injury blow in their 0-0 Bundesliga draw with 1. FC Union Berlin on Saturday. Konstantinos Karetsas hobbled off with an ankle injury in the second half, just eight minutes after coming on.
After the game, BVB coach Niko Kovac provided an update on the 18-year-old, who is now almost certain to miss Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Sabah FK. “We’ll have to see how serious it is. Right now, I feel sorry for the lad. Ever since he’s been here, he certainly hasn’t had much luck,” Kovac said, according to DPA.
On a positive note for Arsenal, it could mean more minutes for Ethan Nwaneri. The Arsenal loanee is still waiting for his first goal in Germany this season, despite producing some impressive displays already.
Borussia Dortmund managing director for sport Lars Ricken also commented on the injury. “He twisted his ankle. Something’s not quite right with it. We’ll have to do further testing to determine how serious the injury is.” Sporting director Ole Book said the youngster was “not feeling good” after the final whistle.
The injury represents another setback for Karetsas, who was carried off on a stretcher during Dortmund’s 3-2 Champions League win over Villarreal in September due to circulation problems. That episode forced him to miss the subsequent Bundesliga match against Paderborn.
“I think it’s still in the back of his mind. We can’t overlook any of that. He’s not yet back to where he was before,” Kovac said ahead of Saturday’s game. The latest twist occurred while he was attempting to shield the ball, adding to the interrupted start he has experienced since joining the club.
Dortmund must now wait on the results of further examinations. The point from the draw left them provisionally top of the Bundesliga, but the absence of Karetsas removes an option for the midweek European fixture. The club will hope the tests confirm the issue is not as serious as the immediate reaction suggested.