Borussia Dortmund suffer Dan Axel Zagadou injury blow

Borussia Dortmund have suffered a big blow in their preparations for the resumption of their Bundesliga campaign, after Dan Axel Zagadou suffered a knee injury in training.

Borussia Dortmund announced on Wednesday morning that key central defender Dan Axel Zagadou has suffered a lateral collateral injury on his left knee during training. The Frenchman will now spend the next few weeks working with the club’s rehab coaches.

The club have not yet provided a timeframe for his return, but there is a real possibility that he could be out for the rest of the season.

Zagadou’s injury is a big blow to Borussia Dortmund’s title hopes. The 20 year old has been one of the team’s most consistent and reliable defenders this season. And his injury could mean a recall for the error-prone Manuel Akanji or a chance for the yet untested Leonardo Balerdi.

Lukasz Piszczek was used on the right side of the back three before the break, and could continue to play there when the season resumes. January signing Emre Can is also capable of playing as a centre-back.

Zagadou was only used sporadically in the first couple of months of the season, but made a real difference to the defence after getting his chance in the line-up in November. He has been undroppable since then, making a total of 20 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal and providing one assist in the process.

The Bundesliga is currently suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic, but there are hopes that the league will get back underway on May 09. Borussia Dortmund have nine matches remaining in their Bundesliga campaign.