Haller’s Dortmund Return Cut Short by Ankle Injury, Champions League Hopes in Jeopardy
Sébastien Haller’s return to Borussia Dortmund’s starting lineup was cut short on Saturday due to an ankle injury, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming Champions League clash against Atlético Madrid.
Haller, who had been sidelined with an ankle injury since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, made his first Bundesliga start since September in Dortmund’s match against Borussia Mönchengladbach. However, his comeback was short-lived as he twisted his left leg in a tackle just two minutes into the game.
The Ivory Coast forward received treatment on the field before being replaced by Youssoufa Moukoko. The extent of Haller’s injury is yet to be determined, but it is a major blow to Dortmund’s hopes of progressing in the Champions League.
Haller’s injury woes have plagued his season since joining Dortmund from Ajax Amsterdam last summer. He missed the first half of the campaign after being diagnosed with testicular cancer and has struggled to regain full fitness since returning to action.
Despite his injury setbacks, Haller has shown his importance to Dortmund, scoring a crucial late goal in the first leg of their Champions League quarterfinal against Atlético Madrid. His absence would be a significant loss for the German club as they look to overturn a 2-1 deficit in the second leg on Tuesday.
Adding to Dortmund’s injury concerns, English forward Jamie Bynoe-Gittens also left the field with a back problem. Coach Edin Terzić expressed optimism about Bynoe-Gittens’ availability for the Atlético match, but Haller’s participation remains in doubt.