Borussia Dortmund have been dealt a potentially significant injury blow ahead of their UEFA Champions League league-phase meeting with Azerbaijan's Sabah, with attacking midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas facing several weeks on the sidelines.
As reported by İdman.Biz, citing German newspaper Ruhr Nachrichten, the 18-year-old returned to Dortmund on crutches following Saturday's goalless Bundesliga draw against Union Berlin.
Karetsas entered the match in the 62nd minute but suffered an ankle injury just five minutes later while challenging Union captain Rani Khedira for possession. His foot became caught in the turf during the incident, leaving him unable to complete the match.
Despite initially attempting to continue, the Greece international was eventually replaced by 17-year-old Mathis Albert in the 79th minute.
According to German outlet FussballTransfers, which also cites Ruhr Nachrichten, the attacking midfielder could be unavailable until at least the next international break in mid-November.
However, Borussia Dortmund have not yet announced a definitive medical diagnosis or confirmed the expected length of his recovery.
Dortmund's managing director for sport, Lars Ricken, acknowledged that further examinations would be necessary to establish the seriousness of the injury. Sporting director Ole Book also expressed concern about the player's condition.
The latest setback is particularly frustrating for Karetsas, who joined Dortmund from Belgian club Genk during the summer.
Earlier in the Champions League campaign, the youngster experienced circulatory problems during a match against Villarreal and had to be carried off on a stretcher. He subsequently underwent medical examinations before returning to training and competitive action.
The new injury adds to the problems facing head coach Niko Kovač, whose side have failed to win their last three competitive matches.
Dortmund were held to a 0-0 draw by Union Berlin after another frustrating attacking performance and now face a demanding trip to Azerbaijan.
Sabah will host the German side on Tuesday, October 20, at the Baku Olympic Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45 Azerbaijan time.
Karetsas is considered highly unlikely to feature in the Champions League encounter, although Dortmund's medical staff have yet to confirm his recovery timetable.
His potential absence would deprive the visitors of another creative attacking option as they seek to return to winning ways against the Azerbaijani champions.
