Borussia Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin has confirmed that defender Niklas Sule will be out for several months after suffering an ankle injury in the Bundesliga on Saturday, Afrosport reports.
The 29-year-old Germany international picked up the injury during their 1-1 draw at home against Bayern Munich, where he was replaced by compatriot Emre Can in the 83rd minute.
Sule, who had only just returned to action in their league match against Bayern Munich on 30 November, is set for a fresh spell on the sidelines, and Sahin on Tuesday confirmed the extent of the defender’s injury.
“Not so good news, unfortunately,” Sahin told reporters at a pre-match conference ahead of their Champions League game against Barcelona. “He will be out for several months. He has suffered a serious injury.
“It is the same injury,” Sahin added. “It is completely unfortunate to injure the same spot. It is very bitter because we needed him.
“He [Sule] had played a good game in Gladbach. It is a bit of a bad luck run for him, but you cannot change that. We have to let the diagnosis sink in. We will play the game tomorrow and then we will see how we proceed with him.”
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Dortmund are currently sixth in the Bundesliga, but they occupy the fourth spot in the Champions League, where they will host five-time champions Barcelona on Wednesday.
The German club, level on points with the Spanish league leaders, lies a spot behind them in the competition’s standings due to an inferior goal difference, but both teams are on course for an automatic knockout berth.
“Favourites against Barcelona?” Sahin said. “I don’t think there are any favourites tomorrow. It will be two teams on the same level and the form on the day will play a big role.”
