Borussia Dortmund are riding a wave of momentum but facing a mounting injury concern that could define their season. The club sits second in the Bundesliga with 21 points from nine games, level with Bayern Munich, and backed up their Champions League win over Real Betis with a 2-1 home victory against Elversberg on Saturday. The results confirm Dortmund as genuine title contenders, yet the growing injury list threatens to test the squad's depth at the worst possible time.

The most pressing worry is Serhou Guirassy, who left the Betis match after 34 minutes with a thigh problem and missed the Elversberg game. The striker has scored eight goals in 14 appearances this season and his absence is a significant blow. Coach Niko Kovac has already identified Konstantinos Karetsas as the likely replacement in the starting lineup. The 18-year-old Greek midfielder was the match-winner against Betis, scoring the decisive goal after coming off the bench, and he backed that up with a strong display against Elversberg, suggesting Dortmund have genuine cover despite the setback.

Off the pitch, contract talks with key defender Waldemar Anton have stalled. Reports indicate the initial salary offer fell short of Anton's expectations, and a quick resolution looks unlikely. Anton has been one of Dortmund's most consistent performers since joining from Stuttgart in 2024, making his situation one worth monitoring closely as the season progresses. Dortmund's next Bundesliga fixture is away at Borussia Moenchengladbach on 21 November.