When will Konstantelias return? BVB chief Ricken speaks plainly | OneFootball

Following his serious cruciate ligament injury, Giannis Konstantelias is working on his comeback. BVB chief Lars Ricken has now given fans hope of a return in the foreseeable future.

Borussia Dortmund will have to do without Giannis Konstantelias for several more months. Still, there is hope that the seriously injured summer signing could be back on the pitch before the end of the current season. BVB chief Lars Ricken commented on the Greek player’s outlook following his operation.

“He will still play this season,” Ricken told BILD, sounding confident about a possible comeback. However, there is still no specific date for the 23-year-old’s return. After tearing his cruciate ligament, Konstantelias now faces a lengthy rehabilitation period.

At least the necessary knee procedure went according to plan. “The surgery was successful,” Ricken reported. The operation was performed by Dr. Thore Zantop, a physician specializing in knee injuries. Konstantelias himself also appeared optimistic afterward. From his hospital bed, he greeted his followers on Instagram with a photo and the words: “Greetings from Delias.”

BVB chief Ricken outlines timeline for Konstantelias

The injury struck the attacking player at the worst possible time, very early in his Dortmund spell. Signed from PAOK Thessaloniki for around €26 million, Konstantelias had already shown his potential in his first appearances. He was in the starting lineup for the Bundesliga opener against Hamburger SV (2–0) and scored his first league goal for BVB. Shortly afterward, however, he had to leave the pitch injured.

Photo: IMAGO

How long Dortmund will actually have to cope without the Greek depends on how his recovery progresses. In any case, Ricken is not expecting a quick return. “A cruciate ligament tear means he will be out for around six months plus X,” the BVB chief explained.

To compensate for the absence, Dortmund strengthened the squad once again by bringing in Ethan Nwaneri on a one-year loan from Arsenal. Meanwhile, Konstantelias is expected to work on his return without any unnecessary time pressure. With next season in particular in mind, BVB have high hopes for him. Ricken put it this way: “It already feels like we’ve got our next new signing for next season.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.