Injury Blow For Borussia Dortmund As Sabitzer To Miss Key Matches

Borussia Dortmund suffered a heavy setback in their bid for a Champions League berth, suffering a 2-0 defeat against RB Leipzig. The loss not only created a sizable gap between Dortmund and the coveted European spots but also resulted in an injury to key midfielder Marcel Sabitzer, raising alarms over the team's already challenging season.

In an official statement, Borussia Dortmund announced that Sabitzer will undergo rehabilitation training for the next four weeks due to a knee injury. Although the club confirmed that he sustained a knee injury, they provided limited details on the specific nature of the injury. However, sources from Sport1 revealed that Sabitzer had torn his medial collateral ligament, putting him out of action for four to six weeks.

This unfortunate injury means that the 31-year-old will miss critical Bundesliga matches against teams like 1. FSV Mainz 05 on March 30, SC Freiburg on April 5, FC Bayern on April 12, Borussia Mönchengladbach on April 20, and TSG Hoffenheim on April 26. Moreover, his absence is expected during the Champions League quarter-final against FC Barcelona, scheduled for April 9 and April 15. With Sabitzer sidelined, Dortmund faces a significant uphill battle in an already disappointing season.

At present, Borussia Dortmund is languishing in 11th place in the Bundesliga, creating a seven-point gap from a European Cup position and leaving them 10 points off a Champions League qualifying spot. The injury to Sabitzer represents another bitter blow for a team that had hoped to challenge for higher league standings.

Adding to the frustration around the club, defender Niklas Süle has also struggled to meet expectations. Süle's performances this season have raised concerns, particularly after a monumental error against VfL Bochum led to him sitting out for four consecutive matches. Reports indicate that Süle is no longer part of the team council, a change communicated to him before the start of the season.

Notably, rather than displaying disappointment over this demotion, sources claim that Süle was almost relieved by the news, a reaction that surprised the club’s management. This situation underscores the ongoing dissatisfaction with Süle's contributions on the field. After the match against Leipzig, Borussia Dortmund's future looks increasingly precarious.

In the coming game against Leipzig on March 15, 2025, which will kick off at 18:30, Dortmund will have to regroup to face a formidable opponent. Those wishing to follow the live broadcast of the match will not be able to view it on free TV, as it will only be available through pay-TV provider Sky. Viewers can access the game through the Sky Go live stream and Wow TV if they possess a subscription.

Sebastian Kehl, Dortmund's sporting director, reflected positively on the team's progress following their qualification for the Champions League quarter-finals against OSC Lille. “We know we are among the best eight in Europe. That is a good sign from Borussia Dortmund,” Kehl stated, expressing optimism amid their Bundesliga struggles. While Dortmund is presently tenth in the league, trailing champions league qualification by seven points, Kehl remains hopeful that upcoming matches would provide opportunities for point collection against direct competitors.

In summary, as Borussia Dortmund navigates through a tumultuous season filled with setbacks, the upcoming matches against Mainz and Freiburg will be crucial. The team must gather points and determine its path forward in the league.