Borussia Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin admitted that it would be a ‘complete disaster’ if Nico Schlotterbeck was to be sidelined after the German defender suffered an ankle injury in their Champions League defeat to Barcelona on Wednesday.
Schlotterbeck sustained a nasty ankle injury during the final moments of the match while attempting to head in an equalizer, with the 25-year-old needing to be stretchered off the field of play.
Sahin only recently announced that center-back Niklas Sule would be sidelined for a long period of time, with Waldemar Anton also unavailable and the BVB boss did not mince words when discussing the potential impact of losing another key player.
“It would be a complete disaster if he was also sidelined,” Sahin said. “I don’t have a diagnosis yet but obviously he is completely dejected.
“I saw the images and they are horrible. We will have a sleepless night tonight and then we will have to see how it develops tomorrow.”
Dortmund’s unfortunate injury woes have significantly hampered their ability to compete at the peak of their powers so far this season as they currently sit sixth in the Bundesliga, 12 points behind leaders Bayern Munich.
Wednesday’s loss to Barcelona dropped them to ninth in the Champions League standings, just outside the automatic last-16 qualification spots. The Borussia Dortmund boss registered his displeasure at their current situation.
“I am fuming because we played well,” said Sahin. “We have to win these games. We deserved more in the second half.
“I do not want to hear that we played a good game. There is no room for mistakes and we have to learn that.
“We keep up with these top teams but in the end I want to sit here and say, ‘we won the game’. That is the development we need.”
If neither one of Sule, Anton and Schlotterbeck is fit enough to play by Sunday when Dortmund host Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga, Sahin will be without any natural center-back options. Certainly not a good situation for any manager to find themselves in.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
