🔴 FLASH: end of season for Borussia Dortmund star!

A major blow for Borussia Dortmund ahead of their European clash against FC Barcelona: defensive rock Nico Schlotterbeck will not play again this season. The 24-year-old center-back is suffering from a serious meniscus injury, the club confirmed this Monday, April 7, just two days before the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals.

Already absent against Freiburg (4-1 victory) last weekend due to suspension, Schlotterbeck will not be able to bolster BVB's defense at Camp Nou nor during the final sprint.

Dortmund loses its defensive pillar

His injury thus deprives Dortmund of a cornerstone of their backline, who has had an impressive season both domestically and in Europe.

"It's a real loss. Nico has been one of our most consistent players. We will support him in his recovery and hope for a quick return," reacted sporting director Sebastian Kehl.

This season, Schlotterbeck had started 23 times in the Bundesliga, participated in 12 Champions League matches, and played in two German Cup games.

His unavailability forces the coach to rethink the entire defensive strategy as Dortmund prepares to face one of the most formidable squads on the "Old Continent".

Amine Jomni |

Editorfr

African football writer and sports journalist covering football news, stories and insights while sharing his expertise with fans across the continent.