Dortmund sporting director Nils-Ole Book confirmed the 18-year-old suffered 'circulatory problems' during his Champions League debut.
Borussia Dortmund winger Konstantinos Karetsas experienced a worrying health incident on the pitch during his UEFA Champions League debut against Villarreal. The summer signing from Genk signaled to the sidelines that he could not continue playing midway through the first half of the match.
The 18-year-old was seen sitting on the pitch, covering his face with both hands, before lying supine. He was then carried off on a stretcher to applause from the crowd. Borussia Dortmund quickly confirmed the issue as 'circulatory problems' and stated that Karetsas was on his way to the hospital for further examinations, according to reporting by Mirror - Football.
Club officials and teammates have since spoken out about the alarming situation, expressing their concern and providing an update on Konstantinos Karetsas's health as they await the results of the ongoing medical tests.
Worrying Scenes on the Field
The incident unfolded suddenly during Karetsas's highly anticipated Champions League debut. The young winger, who joined Dortmund from Genk, sat down on the pitch before eventually lying flat. His actions immediately alerted medical staff and coaches to the seriousness of his condition.
After being stretchered off, Dortmund issued an update via X at halftime, stating, "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 swift response from the club offered some reassurance amidst the initial concern.
Dortmund Officials Await Test Results
Following the match, Borussia Dortmund sporting director Nils-Ole Book provided further details regarding Konstantinos Karetsas's condition. Speaking on Sky, Book stated, "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."
Book also revealed the immediate aftermath on the sidelines, sharing, "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." He acknowledged that the incident significantly "clouds the mood" within the team.
Lars Ricken, Dortmund's managing director for sport, also commented on the situation, describing it as "very strange." Ricken initially thought it might be muscular but observed, "he didn't touch his thigh at all and was even carried down on a stretcher." He emphasized the need for tests "to rule out everything in the end" and that the club must "wait and see what the next few days will bring."
Teammates and Pundits Share Concerns
The incident deeply affected those watching and participating in the match. Former Dortmund captain Mats Hummels, working as a pundit at Westfalenstadion for Amazon Prime Video, shared his raw reaction: "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."
Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel also weighed in on his teammate's health. "Of course, it was super bitter that the second Greek had to leave the pitch straight away," Kobel said, referencing fellow Greece international Giannis Konstantelias's recent anterior cruciate ligament injury. Kobel added, "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Konstantinos Karetsas during his Champions League debut?
Konstantinos Karetsas, an 18-year-old winger for Borussia Dortmund, was stretchered off the pitch during his UEFA Champions League debut against Villarreal due to what the club described as 'circulatory problems'. He was taken to the hospital for further examinations.
What is the latest update on Konstantinos Karetsas's health?
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Nils-Ole Book confirmed that Konstantinos Karetsas was unable to speak immediately after the incident. He is currently undergoing further hospital tests, and the club is awaiting results to determine the full extent of his condition and rule out anything serious.
Which officials from Borussia Dortmund commented on Karetsas's situation?
Borussia Dortmund sporting director Nils-Ole Book and managing director for sport Lars Ricken both spoke about Konstantinos Karetsas's health. Book described him as unable to speak at the time, while Ricken found the situation "very strange" and emphasized ruling out all possibilities.