The highly anticipated 2026/27 Champions League season is set to commence next week on Tuesday, with clubs across Europe finalizing their squads for the prestigious tournament. Among the teams making headlines is Borussia Dortmund, who have made a surprising decision regarding their captain, Emre Can.
As per the regulations of the Champions League, each participating club is allowed to register a maximum of 25 players on their "A list." These rules also stipulate the inclusion of homegrown youth players, which adds another layer of strategy for clubs as they prepare for the competition. However, it is important to note that these squads are not set in stone; teams can make adjustments after the league phase concludes in January, allowing for potential reinforcements.
For Dortmund, the decision to leave out Emre Can from the Champions League squad is particularly significant. The experienced midfielder has been sidelined since March due to a torn ACL, which has hampered his ability to contribute to the team. While recent reports indicate that Can is on track to make a return during the first half of the season, his absence from the Champions League roster is a blow for both him and the club.
With Can unable to participate in the group stage, he will only be eligible to join the squad if Dortmund advances to the knockout rounds. This situation places added pressure on his teammates to perform well in the group stage, as they will need to secure their place in the playoffs to give Can a chance to contribute later in the tournament.
As a key player and leader within the squad, Can's experience and skills will be missed during the early stages of the Champions League. Dortmund fans will be hoping that the team can navigate the group stage successfully without their captain, allowing him to return to action in the knockout phase.
As the Champions League kicks off, all eyes will be on how Borussia Dortmund adapts to this challenge and whether they can maintain their competitive edge without one of their most influential players. The pressure is on for the squad to qualify for the next round, ensuring that Emre Can can make his much-anticipated comeback on the European stage.
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