Giannis Konstantelias, a 23-year-old former player of Răzvan Lucescu at PAOK, suffered a significant injury during Borussia Dortmund’s 2-0 victory over Hamburger SV.
The Greek international scored Dortmund’s second goal in his Bundesliga debut but had to be substituted following a challenge for the ball with Bakery Jatta.
Coach Niko Kovac Expresses Concern Over Injury
Niko Kovac, the 54-year-old coach, appeared visibly troubled after the match. He shared the club doctor’s initial assessment, stating, “The doctor examined his knee and does not have a good feeling about it.
Currently, we suspect a serious knee injury. If confirmed, and it is indeed an ACL tear, we have paid a very high price for this victory.”
Konstantelias reportedly sensed the seriousness of his injury immediately. “He told me as he left the field that he heard a crack,” Kovac revealed, noting that the player’s family was present in the stands.
Family Witnesses Giannis Konstantelias’s Ordeal
Kovac commented, “His family traveled to Dortmund specifically to see him make his Bundesliga debut. He scored a goal and then got injured.” The coach appeared shaken by the circumstances.
Should the worst-case scenario be confirmed, the club is committed to supporting Konstantelias through his recovery process. Kovac stated, “We are all very sad if this is confirmed. But we will help him come back even stronger.”
Dortmund Invests €26 Million in Konstantelias
Borussia Dortmund invested €26 million, plus potential bonuses of up to €4 million, to acquire the attacking midfielder from PAOK Thessaloniki. The German vice-champions turned their attention to him after a failed transfer for El Mala from FC Koln.
Konstantelias is the second Greek player Dortmund has signed this summer, following Konstantinos Karetsas, 18, who was brought in from Genk for €30 million plus up to €2 million in performance-related bonuses.
