Borussia Dortmund Full-Back Marcel Schmelzer to Miss 6 Weeks With Ankle Ligament Damage
Borussia Dortmund full-back Marcel Schmelzer is set to miss six weeks after sustaining an ankle injury in Saturday's goalless draw against Freiburg.
The club confirmed on Twitter that the Germany international will be absent for over a month following the ankle ligament damage.
The 29-year-old, who was making his first appearance since his recovery from a similar injury in pre-season was withdrawn in the first half at Schwarzwald-Stadion.
Poor Marcel Schmelzer - back from injury today + now carried off on a stretcher. Doesn't look good. Freiburg's Ravet sent off for the tackle
"It looks like it could be a recurrence of the same ankle injury, judging by how it feels," said Dortmund press officer Sascha Fligge immediately after the game.
Teilriss im Sprunggelenk: @Schmelle29 fällt sechs Wochen aus. Gute Besserung, Kapitän!
BVB boss Peter Bosz could be left with even more concern over his defensive options after Marc Bartra was withdrawn after just 18 minutes with a groin problem.
The two defenders join Marco Reus, Raphael Guerreiro, Andre Schurrle, Erik Durm and Sebastian Rode on a growing injury list at the Bundesliga club.
"We're disappointed,” coach Bosz said after the draw at Freiburg. “Dortmund should win in Freiburg.
“If you're playing with an extra man for an hour, you have enough time to score a goal. We didn't do enough today. We see the result as two points dropped."
