Borussia Dortmund has officially announced that their captain, Emre Can, will not be included in the squad for the upcoming UEFA Champions League. The decision was communicated by the Bundesliga club on Friday, marking a significant moment for the team as they prepare for the prestigious tournament.
Emre Can, a 32-year-old defender, has been sidelined since March due to a serious cruciate ligament tear. Although there were hopes for his return this year, his absence from the Champions League roster underscores the ongoing challenges he faces in his recovery process.
In addition to Can, Dortmund has also left out newcomer Giannis Konstantelias and promising young talent Justin Lerma from their Champions League squad. Konstantelias suffered a ruptured cruciate knee ligament during the Bundesliga opener against SV Hamburg last weekend, further complicating the team's depth as they head into European competition. Meanwhile, Lerma is also dealing with an injury that has prevented him from being included.
Despite these setbacks, Dortmund retains the option to register new players for the Champions League after the group stage, should they progress to the knockout rounds. This flexibility could be crucial for the team as they navigate the challenges of both domestic and European competitions.
Dortmund's Champions League campaign kicks off with a match against Villarreal on Tuesday, a fixture that will test the team's resilience in the face of injuries. The absence of key players like Can, Konstantelias, and Lerma may impact their performance, but the squad will look to leverage their existing talent to make a strong impression in the tournament.
As the competition unfolds, Dortmund will aim to adapt and overcome these hurdles, with the hope of advancing far into the Champions League. The team's management and fans will be watching closely to see how they respond to this early adversity in the season.
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