Report: Emre Can's injury clouds Borussia Dortmund's Bundesliga season kickoff
Borussia Dortmund face a major setback as they prepare for the 2025/26 Bundesliga season, with their captain Emre Can battling to recover from an adductor injury in time for the opening matches.
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The 31-year-old midfielder, a cornerstone of the team's leadership and versatility, missed the FIFA Club World Cup and the start of pre-season training, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming campaign.
According to reports from Bild, Can is unlikely to be fit for Dortmund's first competitive fixture, a DFB-Pokal clash against Rot-Weiss Essen on August 18. The German international has been restricted to individual training sessions, with no clear timeline for his return to full team activities.
This uncertainty has left fans and analysts worried about the team's prospects, especially after a challenging 2024/25 season where they finished fourth in the Bundesliga and reached the Champions League quarterfinals.
Dortmund's new head coach, Niko Kovac, confirmed Can's ongoing role as captain despite the injury concerns, praising his leadership. "Emre Can will continue to captain Borussia Dortmund for the 2025/26 season," Kovac said after a friendly victory against Siegen, adding, "The lads are doing a great job, and I'm very satisfied with the choices made by my predecessors."
Can, who took over the armband from Marco Reus in 2023, has been a vital figure for Dortmund, often stepping into defensive roles during injury crises. Last season, he filled in at centre-back for key matches, including against RB Leipzig and Barcelona, showcasing his adaptability.
However, his current injury has sparked discussions about potential reinforcements, with posts on X suggesting Dortmund are considering defensive signings to bolster their squad.
Despite fan frustrations, his leadership remains unquestioned, with Kovac and sporting director Sebastian Kehl backing him to guide the team through this challenging period.
Dortmund supporters are hopeful Can will return swiftly, as his presence in midfield or defence is crucial for their ambitions to compete for the Bundesliga title and make a strong run in the Champions League. For now, the team must navigate their early fixtures without their captain, with Kovac likely turning to players like Ramy Bensebaini or young prospects to fill the void.
As preparations intensify, Dortmund's focus remains on ensuring Can's recovery while maintaining their competitive edge. Fans will be watching closely, eager for updates on their captain's return to action.