Dortmund Captain Emre Can Ruled Out for Season with Torn ACL

Borussia Dortmund will be without their captain Emre Can for the remainder of the campaign after the club confirmed on Sunday that the midfielder has sustained a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The Bundesliga outfit stated that Can is expected to be sidelined for “several months,” effectively ending his 2023-24 season.

The injury deals a significant blow to Dortmund’s ambitions as they enter the decisive stretch of fixtures. Can, who has worn the armband this term, has been a central figure both in the dressing room and on the pitch; his absence leaves a leadership void that coach Edin Terzić must now address with limited time left in the schedule.

Medical staff are still finalizing the full rehabilitation plan, but the club’s brief statement underlined the severity of the damage and ruled out any possibility of a quick return. Dortmund have yet to outline a specific timeline beyond the initial “several months” prognosis, though ACL recoveries typically span six to nine months.

Can’s injury comes at a critical juncture for the Black and Yellow, who remain in contention for a top-four league finish and continue their European commitments. The 30-year-old’s versatility and ball-winning ability had made him a fixture in Terzić’s midfield, and his enforced layoff will force reshuffling ahead of upcoming high-stakes encounters.

Dortmund did not disclose the exact moment the injury occurred, but the announcement confirms fears that arose after Can left the pitch during the club’s most recent fixture. With the season nearing its climax, Dortmund must now rely on their squad depth to compensate for the loss of their influential skipper.