Manuel Akanji sidelined for three weeks with a torn muscle fibre

Borussia Dortmund will have to make do without Manuel Akanji for the next three weeks after the defender suffered a torn muscle fibre in the defeat to Rangers on Thursday.

Borussia Dortmund have received another big injury blow, with Manuel Akanji ruled out for the next three weeks due to a torn muscle fibre in his calf. The Swiss international suffered his injury in the second half of Thursday’s 4-2 defeat to Rangers in the UEFA Europa League and had to be subbed off as a result.

Akanji now looks set to miss Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga fixtures against Borussia Mönchengladbach, FC Augsburg and Mainz 05, as well as next week’s second leg of the UEFA Europa League tie against Rangers.

Akanji’s injury leaves the Black and Yellows very light in defence, with Mats Hummels, Dan-Axel Zagadou and Marin Pongracic the only senior centre-backs available to Marco Rose. Emre Can and Axel Witsel can also play in that role if needed.

Akanji has been ever-present in the heart of the Borussia Dortmund defence this season. The 26 year old has made a total of 28 appearances across all competitions so far.

In addition to Akanji, Thomas Meunier is also sidelined with a muscle injury. While Sunday’s game against Borussia Mönchengladbach will also come too soon for Erling Haaland. But Emre Can and Marius Wolf could return to the squad.

Marco Rose said during his pre-match press conference that he is expecting a tough game against his former club despite their struggles this season. Borussia Mönchengladbach began the weekend in 13th place in the Bundesliga standings, but they did beat Borussia Dortmund in the reverse fixture.