Borussia Dortmund captain Emre Can remains without a return date after tearing his posterior cruciate ligament in late February. The 32-year-old is progressing through rehabilitation and has also used the enforced break for surgery on a separate adductor problem.
Long rehabilitation continues
- Can suffered the knee injury in Dortmund’s home match against Bayern Munich at the end of February.
- Before the setback, he had re-established himself as a regular central defender under Niko Kovac after a difficult spell at the club and a lengthy absence during summer 2025.
- He has worked almost daily on his recovery since the ligament tear. During the international break, he was regularly at Dortmund’s training ground while most fit outfield players were away with their national teams.
- Can’s rehabilitation is on schedule and he is said to be in good spirits, but a return to full team training has not yet been mapped out.
- It remains unclear whether he could play again before the end of the calendar year or only after the short winter break.
Can last spoke publicly in May, at the presentation of Dortmund’s new home kit. “I can walk without crutches now and put weight on the knee,” he said. “Unfortunately, it will still be a long journey.”
Adductor operation completed
The knee operation and the long recovery window also allowed Can to address persistent adductor issues. He underwent a further procedure, which was necessary and went well.
The additional intervention means he has not needed to face another separate extended lay-off later on. For now, however, the central task remains the recovery from his cruciate-ligament injury.
Contract future can wait
Dortmund extended Can’s contract shortly after the injury, keeping him at the club until next summer on reduced terms. The captain’s future beyond the end of the season is not currently a priority, whether that eventually means staying or leaving.
Sporting director Lars Ricken described Can as a leading figure and an important part of Dortmund, stressing that the club wanted to support him immediately after the serious injury. Can’s focus is on returning to the squad first.
