Dortmund's Injury Update Ahead of Villarreal Clash

Borussia Dortmund’s preparations for their Champions League opener against Villarreal came with a small jolt on Monday – but no real drama.

Daniel Svensson and Konstantinos Karetsas were both absent from full team training, a sight that usually sends alarm bells ringing on the eve of a European night. Niko Kovac quickly killed the suspense.

The head coach confirmed at his pre-match press conference that both players are fully fit and in contention for Tuesday’s game.

“That was completely normal today. It can happen from time to time that we let one or two players recover in the locker room or in the gym. Both are in perfect health and are options for the game,” Kovac stressed, framing the decision as planned load management rather than a late fitness scare.

The real setback came elsewhere.

Filippo Mané, forced off in the first half of Dortmund’s 3-2 Bundesliga win over Hoffenheim at the weekend, will miss the Villarreal tie with a muscle injury. The timing is frustrating, the diagnosis less so.

“We're assuming nothing else will happen before the international break. He'll certainly return after that,” Kovac said, making it clear the defender’s absence should be short-term. “Unfortunately, things like this are just part of the game. In terms of training load and training management, everything was top-notch; he had really good endurance and strength numbers.”

So the medical report offers both reassurance and a reminder of the sport’s fine margins. Mané is out, but not for long. Svensson and Karetsas are being protected, not patched up.

Kovac still has other gaps to cover. Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini, both on the mend after recent injury issues, are unavailable on Tuesday due to suspension. They have taken steps forward physically, but rules, not muscles, keep them in the stands.

Long-term absentees Giannis Konstantelias and Emre Can remain sidelined and will play no part against Villarreal.

Dortmund head into their European start with options preserved, a back line stretched, and a coach betting that careful management now will pay off when the Champions League lights come on.