Manuel Akanji ruled out until January after undergoing minor knee surgery

Borussia Dortmund will have to make do without Manuel Akanji for their final three Bundesliga games of the season, with the defender sidelined due to a minor knee surgery. 

Manuel Akanji has been one of Borussia Dortmund’s best players so far this season. But he now faces a spell on the sidelines due to a knee problem. The Black and Yellows revealed on Tuesday evening that the Switzerland international had to undergo a minor knee surgery. The club did not give any further details, but Marco Rose confirmed that Akanji will be out until January.

Marco Rose heaped praise on the 26 year old, and called him a difference maker for Borussia Dortmund.

"“He is a difference maker in the defensive area, just like Erling Haaland up front or like Marco Reus,” Rose said. “If they drop out, they leave a big gap.”“Instead of playing out the round and dragging himself through because he keeps having problems, it would be better for him to be back as soon as possible in January when things get underway again.”"

Akanji’s absence is certainly a blow for Borussia Dortmund, as he has been an indispensable part of the back-line so far this season. But Marco Rose’s side only have three more games to play before the winter break, and they will be confident of getting by without Akanji.

Dan-Axel Zagadou filled in for Akanji during Borussia Dortmund’s 5-0 win over Besiktas JK on Tuesday. The French centre-back put in a solid shift on his first senior start for the club since March. Rose can also count on Marin Pongracic if the need arises. The Croatian international came on for Zagadou in the second half against Besiktas on Tuesday.

Borussia Dortmund take on VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga this weekend, before hosting Greuther Fürth next Wednesday. They will then travel to Berlin to take on Hertha BSC for their final game of 2021 next weekend.