Dortmund, Germany – Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha will be sidelined for several weeks after sustaining a knee injury during Saturday’s Bundesliga match against Hamburger SV, the club confirmed Monday. The injury also rules the 25-year-old out of upcoming international fixtures with the German national team, adding to Julian Nagelsmann’s midfield concerns.
Nmecha suffered an outer ligament tear in his knee during the 3-2 victory over Hamburg. The club stated he will be unavailable for the remainder of the Bundesliga season’s current stretch, though a precise return timeline remains uncertain given the nature of ligament injuries. The Bundesliga season is scheduled to conclude on May 16th.
The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate for both Dortmund and the German national team. Nmecha was expected to travel to Herzogenaurach on Monday to join Nagelsmann’s squad in preparation for upcoming matches against Switzerland on March 27th and Ghana on March 30th. He had been competing for a starting spot in central midfield.
This latest setback for Nmecha comes as Germany prepares for a crucial period leading up to the World Cup. His absence adds to a growing list of midfield concerns for Nagelsmann, with Aleksandar Pavlovic also reportedly unavailable for the upcoming international matches. Angelo Stiller is expected to be called up as a replacement for Pavlovic, according to reports.
Nmecha’s injury represents a blow to Dortmund’s ambitions as they push for a strong finish to the Bundesliga season. He has featured in all 27 of Dortmund’s Bundesliga games this season, establishing himself as a key component of Edin Terzić’s side. The club currently sits in second place in the Bundesliga standings, and is virtually assured of finishing as runners-up.
The news comes less than a week after Nagelsmann announced his squad for the upcoming international friendlies, which included Nmecha alongside fellow BVB players Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck. The call-ups were seen as a sign of Nagelsmann integrating younger players into the national team setup ahead of the World Cup tournament in North America.
However, the situation has quickly changed with Nmecha’s injury and the potential absence of Pavlovic. Nagelsmann had already signaled that difficult decisions were ahead, stating in a recent interview with Kicker that some choices would be “unlikely to be met with much understanding” from players and the public alike. Even as the March squad announcement didn’t feature the dramatic shake-up seen in previous selections – notably the recall of Toni Kroos in 2024 – the current spate of injuries adds another layer of complexity to his team selection process.
The injury to Nmecha also impacts the German national team’s preparations for the upcoming matches. The squad is already dealing with the recovery of Jamal Musiala from an ankle problem, and now faces further disruption in midfield. Nagelsmann will need to assess his options and potentially adjust his tactical approach in light of these absences.
For Borussia Dortmund, the focus will be on navigating the remainder of the Bundesliga season without Nmecha. Terzić will need to uncover a suitable replacement in midfield and ensure that the team maintains its momentum. The club’s strong squad depth will be tested in the coming weeks.
Nmecha has earned six caps for the German national team, scoring one goal. His absence will be felt both on and off the pitch, as he has turn into an increasingly influential figure in the squad. The injury is a setback for the player himself, who was looking to cement his place in Nagelsmann’s plans ahead of the World Cup.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by national team managers in balancing player fitness and form with the demands of international competition. Injuries are an inevitable part of the game, and Nagelsmann will need to adapt his strategy accordingly. The upcoming matches against Switzerland and Ghana will provide an opportunity to assess alternative options and experiment with different tactical approaches.
The German national team will face Switzerland in Basel on March 27th, followed by a match against Ghana in Stuttgart on March 30th. These matches will serve as important preparation for the World Cup, and Nagelsmann will be hoping to see his team perform well despite the recent setbacks. The team will convene in Herzogenaurach on Monday, minus Nmecha, to begin preparations.
Next up for Borussia Dortmund is a continued push for points in the Bundesliga. The club will be hoping to maintain its strong form and secure a second-place finish in the league. The absence of Nmecha will undoubtedly be felt, but Terzić will be confident that his team can overcome this challenge.
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