Konstantinos Karetsas
BVB
Right Winger
Wide Forward
Nov 19, 2007 (18)
Left
5'8"
143 lb
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