Thomas Meunier sidelined until the World Cup break after suffering cheekbone fracture

Borussia Dortmund will have to make do without Thomas Meunier for the rest of the year after the right-back suffered a cheekbone fracture during the game against Hannover 96 on Wednesday.

Borussia Dortmund have received another big injury blow, with Thomas Meunier sidelined until the World Cup break. The right-back suffered a cheekbone fracture during his side’s DFB-Pokal second round tie against Hannover 96.

The Black and Yellows have revealed that Meunier underwent a successful operation today and will now be sidelined for the next few weeks. However, BVB add that he is still hopeful of returning to full fitness in time for the FIFA World Cup. The 31 year old is expected to be a part of the Belgium squad for next month’s tournament in Qatar.

Thomas Meunier’s injury is a big blow for Borussia Dortmund, who do not have too many available options at right-back in their squad. Mateu Morey is currently sidelined with a knee injury, while Marius Wolf is dealing with an infection that has seen him miss four of the last six games.

Niklas Süle has been used at right-back in recent weeks. While Emre Can, Thorgan Hazard and Felix Passlack can also potentially fill in if the need arises.

Borussia Dortmund still have seven more games left to play before club football takes a break for the FIFA World Cup next month. BVB are set to take on VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga on Saturday, before going up against Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League next week.