DORTMUND (dpa-AFX) - The muscle injury sustained by defender Filippo Mané has prompted Borussia Dortmund to consider a possible last-minute transfer. BVB head coach Niko Kovac does not expect the 20-year-old Italian to return quickly. "When you go down like that, it's certainly not a minor muscle tear. I really think it's more serious," Kovac said after Sunday's 3-2 (1-1) win against 1. FC Heidenheim.
Mané abandoned his sprint duel with Mathias Honsak just before Heidenheim's 1-1 equalizer by Julian Niehues (45.+5) and had to be substituted at halftime. "I hope no tendon is involved," Kovac added.
Are Kehl and Kovac now looking to reinforce BVB's defense?
According to Kovac, the injury immediately led to a discussion with sporting director Sebastian Kehl about the pros and cons of signing another defender on the final day of the transfer window. There is only time left to do so this Monday. "As things stand, I would say we don't need anyone," Kovac stated, but added: "We will certainly discuss it again. It has to make sense."
Kehl confirmed that the club is weighing its options. "I will definitely make one or two phone calls today. If Filippo hadn't been injured, we wouldn't have done anything else. Now, we will at least reconsider," commented the Dortmund sporting director./lap/DP/zb
