Nico Schlotterbeck is OUT for the season with an injury | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund's Nico Schlotterbeck is officially out for the rest of the 2024/2025 season due to an injury. The center-back, who has been BVB's shining performer in this campaign, has torn the meniscus in his left knee and, therefore, will no longer be available for selection in the current season.

The Black-and-Yellows will now have a whole week of critical matchups in the Bundesliga and the Champions League without their leading player and the pillar of Dortmund's defense. With a Der Klassiker and two legs against Barcelona around the corner, this news came in the worst possible timing as BVB still aims to qualify for European competition next season.

Following two consecutive league wins facing Mainz 05 and Freiburg, hopes were back up as Kovač was trying to create an identity for his team, and he did in some manner in this past week. However, losing Schlotterbeck could potentially jeopardize Dortmund's aspirations for this season's finale and even dictate the Croat's future at the helm.

In the light of this unfortunate news for BVB fans, the sporting director Sebastian Kehl commented on Nico's absence but gave no further confirmation on his recovery timeline or an expected date for his return:

Hopefully, the injury does not extend to the 2025/2026 season, but for now, Borussia Dortmund will have to face these final few matches without one of its stars.