Nico Schlotterbeck to return to Dortmund to undergo further tests after picking up knee injury
By Tushar Bahl
Nico Schlotterbeck will leave Borussia Dortmund’s US Tour early after picking up a knee injury during Thursday’s pre-season friendly against San Diego Loyal.
Borussia Dortmund have announced that Nico Schlotterbeck will not be able to feature in their upcoming pre-season friendly matches against Manchester United and Chelsea. The centre-back injured his knee during the 6-0 win over USL Championship side San Diego Loyal on Thursday, and will now return to Germany to undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury.
It still remains to be seen how long Schlotterbeck will be sidelined for. But Borussia Dortmund will hope that he can return to full fitness in time for their Bundesliga opener against FC Köln in three weeks.
Schlotterbeck’s injury leaves Borussia Dortmund a little light in terms of options at centre-backs in the squad for their US Tour. Niklas Süle and Mats Hummels will likely start in defence against Manchester United and Chelsea, with young defender Hendry Blank and Antonios Papadopoulos the other options available to Edin Terzic.
Nico Schlotterbeck, who joined Borussia Dortmund from SC Freiburg last summer, made 39 appearances in his debut season with the club. The 23 year old is set to be a regular starter in defence once again this season, and will play a key role in the club’s title bid.
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Julien Duranville was also forced to come off during Borussia Dortmund’s pre-season clash against San Diego Loyal. But the Black and Yellows have yet to give an update on the status of the highly rated winger’s injury.