Chukwuemeka carrying a knock: initial diagnosis eases fears | OneFootball

A brief scare on BVB’s trip to Japan: Carney Chukwuemeka was injured in the final friendly and had to leave the field. However, an initial diagnosis now offers cautious optimism.

Things had been going well for Chukwuemeka lately. The 22-year-old played with Austria at the 2026 World Cup, then opted against taking an extended extra vacation and joined pre-season preparations early. Coach Niko Kovac is said to have been impressed by the midfielder’s energy — making the setback in the friendly against FC Tokyo all the more frustrating.

According to Ruhr Nachrichten, Chukwuemeka appears to have suffered a bruise to his right knee. If confirmed, that is at least good news for Dortmund for now.

BVB waiting for further examinations

The injury has not yet been officially confirmed — BVB initially refrained from making a clear statement. The team returned to Dortmund on Sunday, where Chukwuemeka is set to undergo further examinations. Only after that will the next steps be discussed and a clearer picture emerge of how long the attacker will actually be sidelined.

Photo: IMAGO

What is particularly reassuring is the assessment from the bench: according to the report, Kovac does not believe it is a more serious injury. Chukwuemeka had initially joined on loan from Chelsea before BVB were able to tie him down long term until 2030.

Dos Santos also suffers a knee injury

Curiously, another Dortmund player was also affected in the same match: Enzo dos Santos. The 17-year-old Luxembourger is also said to have suffered a knee bruise and had to leave the field shortly before full time. He too is due to undergo more detailed examinations in Dortmund, in order to rule out ligament damage, just as with Chukwuemeka.

Back home, the professionals will also reunite with squad planner Ole Book, who had not traveled to Japan because of possible transfer matters.

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