Dan-Axel Zagadou sidelined for several weeks with torn muscle fibre

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

Borussia Dortmund suffered a big blow on Sunday as Dan-Axel Zagadou was forced off with an injury in the first half of the game against Borussia Mönchengladbach. It has now been confirmed that the defender will be sidelined for several weeks after suffering a torn muscle fibre in his thigh.

It remains to be seen exactly how long Zagadou will be out for. But with Manuel Akanji also sidelined for at least the next three weeks, Zagadou’s injury leaves Borussia Dortmund very light at centre-back.

Mats Hummels and Marin Pongracic are the only available senior centre-backs in the BVB squad at the moment. Emre Can can also play in central defence, as he did in the 6-0 win over Borussia Mönchengladbach on Sunday.

Zagadou has had to endure a difficult few years due to injuries, and his latest setback comes at the worst possible time for both the club and the player. The defender’s contract is due to expire at the end of the season, and the BVB bosses wanted to wait and see if he can stay injury free for an extended period before making a decision on his future.

Michael Zorc said earlier this month that Borussia Dortmund see a lot of potential in Zagadou and also indicated that they want to extend his contract beyond the end of the season. The 22 year old has made a total of 13 appearances for Borussia Dortmund so far this season.