MÖNCHENGLADBACH, Germany — Sebastien Haller’s first start for Borussia Dortmund since winning the African Cup of Nations ended almost as soon as it began Saturday, putting his Champions League appearance in doubt.
Haller had to come off early in the Bundesliga match against Borussia Mönchengladbach after twisting his left leg during a tackle. It appears that the Ivorian striker has suffered a recurrence of a left ankle injury which has ruined his season.
Haller has only made substitute appearances for Dortmund since returning from the Africa Cup due to an ankle injury, and he scored a late goal to keep Dortmund’s Champions League hopes alive in ‘a 2-1 defeat to Atlético Madrid in the first leg of their quarter-final on Wednesday.
But his injury misfortune hit him again on Saturday when he was tackled in the second minute by Gladbach defender Nico Elvedi. Haller was treated on the pitch before making way for Youssoufa Moukoko.
Haller made his first start in the league since mid-September. The extent of his injury was not immediately known. He spoke with Dortmund coach Edin Terzić before heading to the dressing room.
England striker Jamie Bynoe-Gittens then suffered a back injury and was also a doubt for Atlético’s visit on Tuesday.
Terzić seemed more optimistic about Bynoe-Gittens’ participation than Haller’s.
Sebastien Haller of Dortmund, center, controls the ball during the German Bundesliga soccer match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund at Borussia Park in Moenchengladbach, Germany, Saturday, April 13, 2024. Credit: AP/Martin Meissner
Haller scored late to lead host Ivory Coast to the Africa Cup of Nations title with a 2-1 victory over Nigeria in the final in February.
He missed the first half of last season after being diagnosed with testicular cancer shortly after joining Dortmund from Ajax Amsterdam.
