The BVB players have to do without one of their top stars in the Champions League game against Chelsea. Image: www.imago-images.de / imago images
Bundesliga
2023 has been going well for Borussia Dortmund so far. In six competitive games, BVB won six, five of them in the league. In addition, they advanced in the cup round of 16 against Bochum (2:1).
Actually, Youssoufa Moukoko also wanted to take off. Before BVB started back in the Bundesliga on January 22, striker and club announced that Moukoko had extended his contract until 2026 in Dortmund. In this context, Moukoko emphasized the environment in which he could “develop perfectly”.
Moukoko’s development falters after extra time
However, the 18-year-old’s development stalled in the weeks following his extension. At first he remained pale in his starting XI appearances, then he was transferred to the bench. He even had to watch the games against Leverkusen in the league and Bochum in the cup for 90 minutes from the substitutes’ bench.
In the win in Bremen (2-0) last weekend, he was given another opportunity to present himself from the start. However, he had to be substituted after just 29 minutes. Sébastien Haller came into play for him.
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Moukoko injured his left ankle after a duel with ex-BVB star Leonardo Bittencourt. According to “Bild”, the German international left the stadium limping and in severe pain.
After the game, BVB coach Edin Terzić was skeptical at the press conference. “Unfortunately it doesn’t look so good. Of course we keep our fingers crossed for him,” said the 40-year-old about his top talent. According to “Bild”, Moukoko “severely injured his ankle”. Consequently, Moukoko would face “a week-long hiatus.”
According to “WAZ”, the left foot underwent an MRI on Monday in Dortmund’s Knappschaftskrankenhaus.
The club announced that he had suffered a tear in the syndesmosis and would be out for at least six weeks. “This is bitter news for him, for us, especially in the current phase,” said sporting director Kehl.
At 18, Moukoko already has a thick medical record. He suffered multiple muscle injuries last season, missing 14 games as a result.
The year before, he was out of the final eight games of the Bundesliga due to a ligament injury.
Depending on the injury, Terzić must expect to be without Moukoko in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 against Chelsea (Wednesday, 9 p.m.). The second leg won’t start until around three weeks later, on March 7th.
When Patrick Mahomes appears in front of the television cameras in interviews, there is no indication that he is currently the most recognizable face in the NFL and one of the highest paid professional athletes in the world. He seems shy at times, even insecure at times. Instead of talking about himself, he prefers to talk about his teammates, his sponsors, the fans. A rarity in a professional athlete’s existence, which is otherwise designed for self-portrayal.
