Injury blow for Borussia Dortmund: Dan-Axel Zagadou out for several weeks

Borussia Dortmund will have to make do without Dan-Axel Zagadou for several weeks after the defender suffered a torn muscle fibre injury against Mainz.

Dan-Axel Zagadou started for Borussia Dortmund against Mainz on Saturday, but had to be replaced by Manuel Akanji on the stroke of half time after suffering a thigh injury. A diagnosis on the status of the 21 year. old is now available and he will be out for several weeks with a torn muscle fibre.

According to Ruhr Nachrichten, Zagadou will now be out for several weeks. His injury leaves Borussia Dortmund with just two fit specialist centre-backs in Mats Hummels and Manuel Akanji, with a packed fixture list awaiting them in the coming weeks.

Speaking after the 1-1 draw against Mainz, Edin Terzic said on Zagadou’s injury. “It’s a muscular injury,” Terzic said. “He felt something on his back thigh, so we had to react quickly. When I just saw him in the dressing room, he was bandaged.”

The injury news is a big blow for both Borussia Dortmund and Zagadou. The defender had only return from a knee ligament injury in November, but now faces more time out.

Borussia Dortmund could also have to make do without Gio Reyna for the trip to Leverkusen. The USMNT international missed the Mainz clash with a minor throat infection and was also absent from training on Sunday. Ruhr Nachrichten add that he is also unlikely to be used on Tuesday.

The Black and Yellows will also be without long-term injury absentees Axel Witsel, Thorgan Hazard and Marcel Schmelzer. While Emre Can will also miss the crunch clash through suspension, after receiving his fifth yellow card of the season in the game against Mainz. The injury situation could give Mahmoud Dahoud the opportunity to return to the squad on Tuesday.

Just goal difference separates Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Levekrusen heading into Tuesday’s game. And third place in the Bundesliga standings could be on the line in the final game of the hinrunde.