Borussia Dortmund sporting director Nils-Ole Book has revealed that Konstantinos Karetsas was unable to speak after being stretchered off the pitch during the Champions League match against Villarreal. The 18-year-old summer signing from Genk signalled to the sideline that he could not continue midway through the first half, sitting down and covering his face with both hands before lying supine.
Circulatory problems confirmed
Dortmund described the issue as 'circulatory problems' and confirmed that he was taken to hospital for further examinations. A statement shared on X at half-time read: "Konstantinos Karetsas had to leave the field due to circulatory problems. Kosta is doing well under the circumstances and is on his way to the hospital for further tests."
The crowd applauded Karetsas as he was carried off on a stretcher during his Champions League debut.
Reaction from the club
Former Dortmund captain Mats Hummels, working as a pundit at Westfalenstadion, said on Amazon Prime Video: "When the doctors didn't even look at the legs, but only at the upper body, it sent shivers down my spine. We don't wish such a story on anyone. These are really nasty pictures that we had to see."
Book told Sky after the match: "He was substituted due to circulatory problems. It came very suddenly, he sat down and was taken to the hospital for further examinations, where he is now. And of course we'll wait and see. Of course, that clouds the mood significantly."
He added: "I went out with him, but he wasn't able to speak directly at that moment. Of course, we hope that it will get better very, very quickly and that it's nothing serious. But now, especially after the game, we don't have any new information yet."
Teammates and officials speak out
Dortmund's managing director for sport Lars Ricken described the situation as "very strange" and said: "At first, I assumed that he might have some muscular problems. But then he didn't touch his thigh at all and was even carried down on a stretcher." He explained that the tests were to "rule out everything in the end," adding: "We have to wait and see what the next few days will bring."
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel said: "Of course, it was super bitter that the second Greek had to leave the pitch straight away." He referred to fellow Greece international Giannis Konstantelias, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee on his Bundesliga debut 10 days ago. Kobel continued: "I only heard that I think it was circulation. I hope and think that everything is OK, and hope that he will be fit again with us quickly."
