Konstantinos Karetsas
BVB
Right Winger
Half-Space Orchestrator
Nov 19, 2007 (18)
Left
5'8"
143 lb
Could return for Bayern clash
Karetsas (foot) has been ruled out of Tuesday's DFB Pokal clash against Bremen but could return for Saturday's Bundesliga encounter against Bayern Munich, according to coach Niko Kovac, per BVB News Blog. "Kosta won't be able to play tomorrow. He's positive. We'll see if he might be fit in time for the weekend."
Analysis: Karetsas is making progress in his recovery from a foot ligament injury sustained during the goalless draw against Union Berlin, when a challenge involving Rani Khedira forced him off shortly after entering the match. The 18-year-old was initially spotted on crutches following the incident and subsequently missed Dortmund's Champions League encounter against Sabah and Bundesliga clash against Eintracht Frankfurt. Although he remains unavailable for Tuesday's DFB Pokal fixture, coach Kovac has offered an encouraging update by suggesting that the youngster could recover in time for Saturday's highly anticipated Klassiker against Bayern Munich. His potential return would provide Dortmund with an additional attacking option, although his involvement will depend on how his foot responds over the coming days. Given the nature of the ligament injury and his recent absence, the coaching staff could take a cautious approach to his playing time even if he receives medical clearance.
Ruled out for next two matches
Karetsas (foot) has been diagnosed with a ligament injury and will miss Tuesday's Champions League clash against Sabah and Saturday's Bundesliga fixture against Frankfurt, according to the club.
Analysis: Karetsas sustained the injury during Saturday's 0-0 draw against Union Berlin following a challenge with Rani Khedira, forcing him off shortly after entering the match. The 18-year-old was subsequently spotted on crutches, raising concerns about the severity of the injury, with further examinations now confirming ligament damage in his foot. He has been ruled out of Dortmund's next two fixtures, although the club has yet to establish a definitive recovery timeline. His availability beyond Saturday remains uncertain, with a potentially longer absence still possible depending on his rehabilitation progress.
Facing potential lengthy absence
Karetsas (ankle) could be sidelined for several weeks after being spotted on crutches following Saturday's 0-0 draw against Union Berlin, according to Ruhr Nachrichten.
Analysis: Karetsas suffered the injury during a challenge with Rani Khedira just eight minutes after entering Saturday's match against Union Berlin, forcing him to leave the pitch shortly afterward. The 18-year-old was subsequently seen using crutches upon Dortmund's return from Berlin, raising concerns about a potentially significant ankle injury. The midfielder is scheduled to undergo further examinations Sunday to determine the severity of his left ankle injury. An absence lasting until at least the November international break is reportedly possible, although the exact recovery timeline remains uncertain. The setback represents another interruption for the young attacking midfielder, who has struggled to regain his previous momentum following a medical incident during the Champions League clash against Villarreal.
Forced off with ankle injury
Karetsas was forced off with an ankle injury during Saturday's Bundesliga match at Union Berlin, eight minutes after coming off the bench.
Analysis: Karetsas was forced off just eight minutes after coming on against 1. FC Union Berlin, twisting his leg and turning his ankle during a challenge with Rani Khedira in his own penalty area. He received brief treatment before being helped off the pitch with an ice pack on his foot, but the severity of the injury has not yet been established. Further assessment will be needed to determine whether he is dealing with a minor ankle issue or something more significant.
Available off bench against Bremen
Karetsas (illness) is available off the bench for Friday's Bundesliga clash against Werder Bremen after overcoming fitness concerns following his return from international duty.
Analysis: Karetsas has recovered sufficiently to make Borussia Dortmund's matchday squad despite dealing with illness and fatigue following a demanding international break. The attacker had been considered doubtful after accumulating significant playing time and travel commitments, but his inclusion among the substitutes confirms he is available for selection. Having started two of his three Bundesliga appearances this season, registering one assist and four chances created, Karetsas could provide an attacking option off the bench Friday.
In doubt against Bremen
Karetsas (illness) is uncertain for Friday's clash against Werder Bremen after returning from international duty under the weather and carrying a heavy workload, according to coach Niko Kovac, per Ruhr Nachrichten. "He's obviously feeling the effects of the many minutes he's played and all the traveling. Now we'll have to see how he is for the weekend."
Analysis: Karetsas' combination of illness, travel and a heavier-than-expected international workload puts his availability against Bremen in doubt. The attacker has started two of his three Bundesliga appearances this season, recording one assist and creating four chances without scoring. If Dortmund decide to give him additional recovery time Friday, Ethan Nwaneri could be an option to replace him in the starting lineup.
Available from bench
Karetsas (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's match against Stuttgart.
Analysis: Karetsas returns to the squad after missing the Paderborn fixture following his circulatory issue against Villarreal. He is not yet back in the starting XI but can make his return from the bench, with a starting role potentially in sight after the international break.
Set to travel to Stuttgart
Karetsas (undisclosed) is set to travel with Dortmund for Saturday's clash against Stuttgart, according to coach Niko Kovac. "Kosta took part in part of yesterday's training and all of today's, barring any incident, he will travel with us to Stuttgart tomorrow."
Analysis: Karetsas had missed the previous match against Paderborn due to circulatory problems, but manager Kovac noted he is looking increasingly relaxed and no longer dwelling on the incident, adding that the 18 year old is on the right track and could pick up right where he left off in the season's opening matches without any drop in quality.
Returns to team training
Karetsas returned to team training Tuesday following his recent absence due to a circulatory collapse, according to Ruhr Nachrichten.
Analysis: Karetsas initially resumed individual work Saturday before progressing to a light running session with his teammates Tuesday, marking another significant step in his recovery. His return to the group increases his chances of being available for the upcoming Bundesliga clash against Stuttgart, with the 18-year-old potentially even returning directly to the starting XI if he continues to progress during the week.
Tests still ongoing
Karetsas (undisclosed) is confirmed to be ruled out for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Paderborn, according to sporting director Ole Book, per Ruhr 24. "Our priority is the health of the player and the person."
Analysis: Karetsas remains hospitalized as further examinations continue, with sporting director Book declining to comment on the diagnosis but saying that he is doing well and that further examinations are ongoing. The club is very optimistic but are still awaiting more results. His return timeline will depend on what the tests reveal, with Ethan Nwaneri set to see an increased role in the attack while on loan from Arsenal during his absence.
Dealing with circulatory problems
Karetsas (undisclosed) left Tuesday's match against Villarreal due to circulatory problems and was taken to a nearby hospital where he's recovering, the club announced.
Analysis: Karetsas left Tuesday's game in the first half, and the club cited circulatory problems as the reason he couldn't continue. The attacking midfielder is "doing well under the circumstances," the club said, and he'll undergo further exams. His availability for the team's upcoming match Saturday against Paderborn should be in question, but it wouldn't be surprising if he's forced to miss another game or two.
Stretchered off Tuesday
Karetsas was stretchered off the field in Tuesday's UCL match against Villarreal.
Analysis: Dortmund have endured an injury-riddled start to the season after Giannis Konstantelias suffered a torn ACL in the Bundesliga opener, and now Karetsas could be at risk of having sustained a serious injury. Further tests will be needed to determine the extent of the injury, but it wouldn't be shocking if Karetsas is forced to miss multiple matches. Ethan Nwaneri could be in line to see more playing time in that scenario.
Fully fit despite training absence
Karetsas is available for Tuesday's Champions League match against Villarreal after his absence from Monday's team session was confirmed as workload management, according to coach Niko Kovac, per Ruhr24. "Both are completely healthy and are options for tomorrow's game."
Analysis: Karetsas was given additional recovery rather than missing training because of a physical problem, removing any concern over his availability for Tuesday. The 18-year-old attacking midfielder is therefore available without restrictions and provides Kovac with another creative option in the final third against Villarreal.
Assists opener on Saturday
Karetsas assisted once to go with six shots (three on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 2-0 win versus Hamburger SV.
Analysis: Karetsas set up the first goal of the campaign for Serhou Guirassy in the ninth minute. Karetsas put up a dominant display primarily from the right flank, registering the most crosses in the game, creating three chances, completing four dribbles and also making a tackle. This was his first goal contribution for Dortmund after his move from Genk.
Signs five year deal with Dortmund
Karetsas has signed a five year contract with Borussia Dortmund from KRC Genk through June 2031, according to the club. Sporting director Lars Ricken said "With Kos we are gaining a player for Borussia Dortmund who already possesses enormous ability at just 18 years old."
Analysis: Karetsas made 34 appearances in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League last season, contributing 11 assists, and helped Genk reach the Europa League round of 16, where he added two goals and five assists across 11 appearances. The 18 year old Greece international, who made his senior debut in March 2025 and has since scored three goals with one assist in 10 caps, now begins the next chapter of his career in the Bundesliga.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare