Niko Kovac provides cautious injury update on Serhou Guirassy after early exit against Real Betis

Borussia Dortmund are hopeful that Serhou Guirassy has avoided a serious injury after the striker was forced off during their 2-1 Champions League victory over Real Betis on Wednesday night.

The 30-year-old Guinea international was substituted in the 34th minute after experiencing discomfort in his thigh, raising concerns over his availability for Dortmund’s upcoming fixtures.

Guirassy initially attempted to continue playing after receiving treatment but eventually had to leave the pitch, with Konstantinos Karetsas replacing him.

Speaking after the match, Dortmund head coach Niko Kovač offered an encouraging initial assessment, although he admitted that the full extent of the injury was not yet known.

“I spoke briefly with him. He felt something in his thigh. I don’t think anything is damaged,” Kovač explained.

However, the Croatian coach stressed that his assessment was based on an initial conversation with the striker rather than a medical examination.

“That is my first thought or feeling, but I haven’t spoken to the doctor yet,” he added.

Kovač also explained that the decision to substitute Guirassy was taken to avoid aggravating the problem.

“He couldn’t continue and we didn’t want to take the risk that something worse might happen,” the Dortmund manager said.

Guirassy faces fitness test ahead of Elversberg clash

Further medical examinations scheduled for Thursday are expected to provide a clearer picture of the striker’s condition and determine how long he might be sidelined.

Dortmund are particularly keen to establish whether Guirassy will recover in time for Saturday’s Bundesliga encounter against SV Elversberg.

Kovač remained cautious when discussing the possibility of his striker featuring at the weekend.

“We’ll see whether he can still be involved at the weekend or whether he needs a little longer,” the coach explained.

Guirassy’s potential absence would be a significant concern for Dortmund, considering his importance to the team’s attacking department this season.

The striker has registered eight goals and two assists in 14 competitive appearances for the German club.

For now, Dortmund will await the results of Thursday’s examinations before making a decision on his availability for the Elversberg fixture.