Borussia Dortmund have confirmed that team captain Emre Can suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his left knee during the Bundesliga clash against Bayern Munich, which ended in a 3-2 defeat. The club announced the news via their official x handle, confirming the 32-year-old will be sidelined for several months.
their statement:
Unfortunate news to end the weekend. Emre Can sustained a cruciate ligament tear in his left knee during the match against Bayern.
Softfootball can confirm the injury is expected to keep Can out for a considerable period, with typical ACL recovery timelines ranging between eight and 12 months. His current contract at Dortmund is due to expire at the end of the season, adding further uncertainty to his immediate future.
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl addressed the setback, telling the club’s official channels:
Emre’s injury is extremely bitter. Not just for him, but for all of us. He is our captain, always puts the team first and is an important part of our club. Over the coming months, Emre will receive our full support so that he can make a complete recovery.
Can joined Dortmund from Juventus in 2020 and was appointed captain ahead of the 2023-24 campaign. The injury effectively ends his hopes of representing Germany at this summer’s World Cup.
The midfielder has earned 48 caps for the national team, scoring twice, but has not featured internationally since September 2024.
Meanwhile, injury concerns continue in the Bundesliga. Bayer Leverkusen defender Arthur has suffered a left ankle syndesmotic ligament tear during the 1-1 draw against Mainz on February 28, 2026. The 18-year-old Brazilian, a Palmeiras academy graduate, is expected to be out for several weeks after making 12 appearances and registering two assists this season.
Earlier in February, Dortmund also confirmed the signing of Brazilian left-back Kauã Prates, who has agreed a contract running until June 2031 as the club continues planning for the future amid its current injury challenges.
