Kovac on Konstantelias: “He will return stronger”

Giannis Konstantelias’ Bundesliga debut for Borussia Dortmund ended with a serious cruciate ligament injury, overshadowing his first appearance in the German league.

The 23-year-old Greek attacking midfielder sustained the injury against Hamburg and will now spend time away from the pitch focusing on his recovery. The injury struck during his first Bundesliga appearance for Dortmund.

Coach Niko Kovac discussed Konstantelias’ condition at a news conference ahead of Dortmund’s German Cup first-round match. He said it was too early to estimate the player’s absence because doctors would need to assess the situation during surgery.

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Giannis has suffered a serious injury. The rest of the team completed the match against Hamburg well. We cannot make any prediction. We will have to wait and see what happens during the operation.

“Giannis has suffered a serious injury,” Kovac said. “We cannot make any prediction. We will have to wait and see what happens during the operation.”

Kovac added that the player was disappointed but remained convinced he would recover fully. “He will return stronger,” the coach said. “When he returns, he will be his old self again, and even better.”

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The player is disappointed. However, he is convinced that he will return stronger. Life goes on. When he returns, he will be his old self again, and even better.