Youssoufa Moukoko Sidelined for the Remainder of the Season

Borussia Dortmund have announced that Youssoufa Moukoko’s season has come to a premature end, as ligament damage in his foot will keep the striker sidelined for the remainder of the club campaign. The German starlet has had a whirlwind season since joining the first team after his 16th birthday back in November.

Moukoko made his debut the very next day, becoming the youngest ever Bundesliga debutant (16 years, 1 day) when he came on as a late substitute in a 5-2 win over Hertha Berlin. The young striker chalked up a few more appearances, including his record-breaking debut in the Champions League in the final group match against Zenit, before making his first Bundesliga start in a 1-2 away victory at Werder Bremen. The long wait for the starlet’s first senior goal would end just 3 days later, as Moukoko scored his first Bundesliga goal against Union Berlin, albeit in a losing effort. Here is the video of Moukoko’s maiden Bundesliga goal:

Erling Haaland’s return from injury was perfectly timed, as Moukoko picked up a knock before the winter break and was out for some time. Now an impact sub, the young striker would go on to make 15 appearances in all competitions, including those 2 starts in December. He’s scored three Bundesliga goals for the club in just over 400 minutes of action, a decent rate for any player, let alone a 16-year-old. It has been the perfect scenario for Die Schwarzgelben as Moukoko was able to get first team minutes without the intense pressure of leading the line every 3 days.

Unfortunately for both Moukoko and Borussia Dortmund, he will not be able to participate any longer this season which serves as a big blow as Moukoko brings a much needed energy and pace off the bench that no one else seems to offer. Steffen Tigges will most likely be promoted to the first team from Borussia Dortmund II for the remained of the season, but Tigges is a much different forward than Moukoko. It remains to be seen if Moukoko would be able to participate in the European Championships this summer for the German U-21s, but considering Moukoko is the future of the club, the Dortmund board will be doing everything they can to ensure their striker rests and rehabilitates this summer before next season.