Borussia Dortmund and Germany striker Youssoufa Moukoko sidelined for the U21-Euros

Teenage sensation Youssoufa Moukoko has been ruled out of the U21-Euros for Germany this summer. Currently sidelined with a ligament issue, it was thought that the record breaking starlet might be available for Die Mannschaft’s European exploits. However, Sebastian Kehl the current head of BVB’s licensed players’ department, has poured cold water over that idea.

The future Dortmund sporting director did go on to say that Moukoko will be fit and ready to go come pre-season for the club. Breaking both Bundesliga and Champions League records for youngest player to appear in a match this past season, Moukoko is still just 16 years of age. The young striker has been obliterating youth goal scoring records over recent seasons and it seems just a matter of time before he does it on the big stage as well. An Erling Haaland injury gave Moukoko opportunities to impress earlier in the campaign, and while he is far from a finished article, there have been plenty of bright moments for the young man. Having scored three goals in just 14 appearances, including two starts, Moukoko is the future of both Borussia Dortmund and the German national team, which is precisely why Kehl coming out and making this statement was so important.

While it would have been a great experience for Moukoko to represent the German youth team, there is no need to put his future in danger by rushing him back onto the pitch. Having already picked up an injury in December that kept him out of the second round of the DFB-Pokal, coupled with another injury during the last international break, the wise decision is to keep Moukoko rested before Borussia Dortmund start pre-season.