Sunday, August 10, 2025, was supposed to be a joyous and affectionate moment for Borussia Dortmund. The game between the Black and Yellows and Juventus was meant to celebrate club legend Mats Hummels. However, the injury to current center back Niklas Süle has left many heads hanging in disappointment ahead of the new season.
Borussia Dortmund were already thin in defensive options with Emre Can injured and Nico Schlotterbeck out since April after sustaining a torn meniscus. Schlotterbeck is training with the ball but is not ready yet.
It was later reported by the club that Sule suffered a calf injury in the game against Juventus, which meant that Waldmer Anton would be the only fit Center Back before the DFB Pokal game against third division side Essen.
In the press conference before the game, Niko Kovac stated that both young Center Back Filippo Mané and Norwegian full back Julian Ryerson will be options for one of the back 3 positions.
Niko Kovac:
— BVB Newsblog (@bvbnewsblog) August 15, 2025
"No player has returned. We will see 3 defensive players against Essen, we can do that. We can play Filippo Mane who did well in the pre-season or Julian Ryerson."#BVB pic.twitter.com/PEKzYQipcm
Despite Kovac insisting that all will be well, many BVB fans are voicing their disappointment with the way the club has conducted business in the transfer market. Lars Ricken and Sebastian Kehl are coming under fire for not strengthening the critical defensive position, which has been a main problem for the past year.
Even when Süle and Can are back from injury, there are big question marks around both players. The former has been inconsistent and is no longer on top of his game. A strong argument can be made if he is at the level required to be a starter at Dortmund. While the latter is naturally a midfielder, who despite doing well at Center Back last season he can’t be fully entrusted with that role.
The fact that BVB managed to finish fourth and secure a Champions League position hasn’t covered over the fact that it was a very poor season the management of the club still needs to critically observe. Any similar stumblings in the 2025/26 season will not go lightly with the BVB faithful, who have been disappointed in recent years despite some near misses to clinch trophies. Making the right signings in the transfer window will go a long way in making the season a success.