Clarity regarding Niklas Süle: BVB will have to do without the center back, who was injured on Sunday against Juventus Turin, for an extended period of time. Borussia Dortmund’s center back was not supposed to be the focus of attention in the season opener against Juventus (1-2); that role was reserved for Mats Hummels. The BVB legend was set to make an emotional farewell appearance against the Italian record champions, playing 15 minutes a few months after the end of his career – and then making way for Süle.

That’s how it turned out. But Süle didn’t finish the game against Juve and involuntarily became one of the protagonists of the sunny summer day. Shortly before half-time, Süle suddenly lay in his own penalty area, having injured his leg without any contact from an opponent. The 29-year-old was unable to leave the pitch on his own and had to be supported by two members of the medical team. Yan Couto came on for Süle, with Julian Ryerson moving in from right-back. The following day, BVB provided an update on the former international’s condition: Süle has suffered a muscle injury in his calf. Dortmund estimate that he will be out for two months, meaning he will definitely miss the first few weeks of the season. He could make his comeback at an important stage of the season, with matches against RB Leipzig (October 4) and FC Bayern (October 18) coming up in October. On Sunday evening, Süle limped heavily into the team bus. “Niki felt his calf a little bit. We’ll do an MRI tomorrow to see exactly what happened. We hope it’s not too serious,” said coach Niko Kovac. At least a recurrence of the syndesmosis injury he suffered twice last season has been ruled out. Nevertheless, personnel worries in the BVB defense have intensified ahead of the season opener on August 18 in the DFB Cup against Rot-Weiss Essen. Nico Schlotterbeck will be out until October after tearing his meniscus, and although Emre Can is expected to return earlier, his adductor problems have proved more persistent than expected this summer. The captain has not yet been able to train with the team.

With Süle also out for the time being, coach Kovac has only one experienced professional center back at his disposal in Waldemar Anton. During the preseason, talented youngster Filippo Mané has impressed in the test matches. The 20-year-old Italian is now likely to make his professional debut soon.