Konstantinos Karetsas Hospitalised After Slumping to Turf in Champions League Debut

Borussia Dortmund teenager Konstantinos Karetsas was stretchered off 25 minutes into his debut against Villarreal due to circulatory problems.

Borussia Dortmund secured a 3-2 victory over Villarreal on Tuesday, though 18-year-old midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas was hospitalised after collapsing during the match. The Greek prospect slumped to the grass 25 minutes into his Champions League debut, shortly after passing the ball to a teammate. Following on-field treatment while laying down, the summer signing from Genk was removed from the pitch on a stretcher.

Dortmund confirmed in a statement that the €30 million player suffered from circulatory problems and was undergoing further medical tests. The score remained 0-0 at the time of his departure. The German side eventually won the contest behind a late brace from Serhou Guirassy, who was making his 100th appearance for the club, and an own goal credited to Renato Veiga.

Karetsas is the second major Dortmund signing to suffer a health setback recently. His Greece teammate Giannis Konstantelias, who joined for €26m from PAOK, likely saw his season end last month due to an ACL injury sustained during his Bundesliga debut. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel told Amazon Prime following the final whistle that he believes the teenager will be fit to return to the squad soon.