Borussia Dortmund's worst fears have come true. Giannis Konstantelias has been diagnosed with an ACL injury and will be sidelined for several months.
The Greek teen picked up a knock during their Bundesliga clash with Hamburg on Saturday following a collision with Bakery Jatta.
It almost immediately forced him off the pitch too with head coach Niko Kovac later admitting that it wasn't looking good for Konstantelias.
Last evening, the club officially confirmed that he'd be out for a while as the midfielder has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Here's what it means for Borussia Dortmund:
1) A blow to BVB's creative depth
Giannis Konstantelias was brought in to add a new creative dimension to Dortmund's attack and his performances against Bayern Munich and Hamburg showed exactly what he could offer.
The Greek starlet is a domineering presence on the half-spaces and can receive a ball under pressure, while his ability to pick out players from tight spaces was on display in the Supercup too.
On Saturday, he also bagged his first goal for Dortmund, running into acres of space to connect with a lay-off from Maximilian Beier before evading his marker to fire it home.
Boasting a fearsome attacking skillset, his absence would rob the side of a battering ram in midfield.
2) Bigger responsibility on Karetsas
Dortmund were supposed to have an exciting attacking pairing between the Greek starlets Konstantelias and Karetsas, together who could have elevated their offensive capabilities.
But now, one half of that equation is gone.
With Konstantelias out for several months, his compatriot Karetsas would now have a bigger responsibility on his shoulders.
Sure, he may not be replacing him outright, but would be expected to fill at least some of the creative void left behind.
3) Another signing incoming?
Dortmund have already added six new players to their roster in a massive outlay of over 100 million euros. But Konstantelias' extended spell on the sidelines could force them to dip into the market once more on deadline day today.
It's unlikely to see BVB shell out a big sum for a short-term replacement, while a few players such as Carney Chukwuemeka and Maximilian Beier can offer internal solutions.
Although Joey Veerman isn't an attacking midfielder, his passing range and ability to switch plays from deep gives the BVB another way to compensate for Konstantelias loss.
Alternatively, former player Jadon Sancho is available for free in the market right now after his contract with Manchester United expired last month.
However, the move could be fraught with risks as the Englishman is no longer the force he once was, while Dortmund reportedly have certain conditions before signing him too.
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