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International break is ending and the always expected BVB October break injuries are pouring on. Stefan Buczko reports that Manuel Akanji has picked up a stress reaction in his groin muscles and will be out 3 weeks.
Manuel Akanji is out for three weeks due to stress reaction by his groin muscles.
— Stefan Buczko (@StefanBuczko) October 17, 2018
Massive blow for Dortmund. #BVB
Akanaji is Dortmunds consensus number 1 centerback so this will be a rough blow. Per Stefan Akanji is the only outfield player to play every minute for BVB this season. He has stepped up and saved a few points for Dortmund so far. With Dortmund entering their most brutal stretch of the fall, Akanji will be sorely missed.
To replace him we will have to work with some combination of Zagadou and a just fit Toprak. Both aren’t great options but we will have to make due. The biggest wildcard during Akanji’s absence will be the fullbacks. Akanji has had to pick up a lot of defensive slack for our fullbacks this year. Without his safety net, Schmelzer and Hakimi will have to step up.
Should be an interesting few weeks. Get well soon Manuel Akanji!