Borussia Dortmund captain Emre Can set for lengthy spell out with cruciate ligament injury

Borussia Dortmund captain Emre Can is set for a lengthy period on the sidelines after suffering a cruciate ligament injury.

Can, 32, was replaced in the 45th minute of Dortmund’s Bundesliga defeat to Bayern Munich on Saturday. He initially attempted to play on after sustaining the injury in the 41st minute, but was eventually forced off and was visibly emotional as he walked off the pitch.

Dortmund confirmed in a statement on Sunday the defender had suffered a torn cruciate ligament in his left knee and would be out for an “extended” spell.

Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl said: “Emre’s injury is extremely bitter. Not just for him, but for all of us. He is our captain, always puts the team first and is an important part of our club. Emre will receive all our support in the coming months so that he can make a full recovery.”

Speaking at full time, Dortmund head coach Niko Kovac said he feared the injury could be ligament related.

“I spoke with Emre — his feeling isn’t a positive one,” Kovac told a press conference. “It doesn’t look good for the knee. Of course, it would be devastating news for us if it’s confirmed.”

Can has been restricted to 16 appearances in all competitions for Dortmund this season after missing the opening two months of the campaign with an adductor injury, and was out for a second spell in February due to the problem. Saturday’s loss to Bayern marked just his seventh Bundesliga start of the season.

The 48-time Germany international joined Dortmund from Juventus in 2020 and has made 220 appearances for the club. His Dortmund contract expires in the summer.

Dortmund were beaten 3-2 by Bayern at Westfalenstadion to leave them 11 points behind the Bundesliga leaders.

Kovac’s side return to action against Koln on Saturday.