BVB Star Faces Year-End Shutdown
Borussia Dortmund is facing a challenging situation with defender Niklas Süle, who is sidelined due to a mysterious toe injury. At 30 years old, Süle has missed six consecutive matches, raising concerns about his return. Reports indicate that the swelling in his toe has been so severe that he was unable to fit into his shoes.
BVB Star Faces Year-End Shutdown
It has now become evident that Süle is unlikely to participate in any more games for the current year. Coach Niko Kovac has officially ruled him out for the crucial match against Bayer Leverkusen scheduled for tonight at 21:00. Kovac stated, “He is making progress, but he has also been out for four weeks. He has not yet trained with the team, so he remains unavailable.”
What is particularly unusual is the absence of a clear diagnosis regarding Süle’s condition. Kovac expressed his uncertainty, stating, “I’m not a doctor. I can only relay what I’m told. He’s now in shoes and is doing exercises with our rehabilitation trainer, but I honestly can’t say what he has.” This lack of clarity about Süle’s injury suggests that a swift return is not currently a priority for Borussia Dortmund’s management.
Competition for Spots
With Süle’s absence, Borussia Dortmund has a strong lineup of defense options. The competition includes:
- Nico Schlotterbeck (26)
- Waldemar Anton (29)
- Emre Can (31)
- Ramy Bensebaini (30)
- Aaron Anselmino (20)
Süle is currently in the final year of his contract with Dortmund, and his chances for a new deal are diminishing with each missed game. He joined the team in the summer of 2022 on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, signing the highest-paying contract in the squad at up to 14 million euros per season.
Performance a Concern
Despite the significant investment of up to 56 million euros over four years, contributions from Süle have been limited. His record includes 100 competitive matches, yielding only three goals and four assists across a total of 7,058 minutes played. Notably, he has spent more time on the bench than on the pitch, missing 39 games due to injuries.
On a positive note, there is news on other squad members. Offensively versatile player Maximilian Beier, aged 23, is approaching a return from a muscle strain. Kovac has commented positively on his recovery, stating, “He has fully rejoined the team training. Things are looking good.”
