Desky: Dortmund s defense is facing a serious injury crisis, considering introducing Lindelof and Vega

Dotter is currently experiencing a serious defense crisis. Jule, Schlottbeck and Emre Jan are all absent due to injuries. German Sky Sports has listed possible solutions for the "Hornets".

In the game against Juventus, when Jule was injured, Lyerson appeared on the right side of the three central defenders. In the 71st minute, Filippo Mane came on the bench. Dortmund coach Kovac highly praised Mane's performance: "Filippo Mane played very well. He was very aggressive, very fast. He played concise and decisively. He regarded defense as his responsibility."

Mane transferred from Samp to Dortmund in 2022 and won the championship with the club U19 team. In the 2024-25 season, he participated in summer preparations under Shahin and sat on the bench several times in the German Cup and Champions League matches. Although Mane is currently the only healthy centre-back besides Anton, the 20-year-old made five appearances in D.C. last season for Dortmund and just recovered from injury, so he needs to be used with caution.

Sky Sports reporter Patrick Borg explained: "Although Kovac is confident in Mane, he is not known for developing young players, but rather prefers to rely on experienced players, which can also be seen from his ability to collect this against Juventus. Since the contract between Jan and Jule will expire next year, Dortmund may take action in advance and sign a player who can play a role in the future, which is a wise choice."

A possible candidate is 19-year-old Argentine defender Juan Jimenez from Rosario Central, whose transfer fee is about 5 million to 8 million euros. Another candidate is 22-year-old Portuguese Renato Vega, who Dortmund agreed last summer. Vega's contract with Chelsea is an option until 2031. Another experienced option is Swedish defender Lindelof, 30, who is currently free, but Leverkusen is also interested in getting him.

Anton will serve as Dortmund central defender in the upcoming German Cup and subsequent Bundesliga matches against Sao Paulo. Kovac also has the option of letting Lyerson be the wingback, while Benzebaini and Svensen take charge of the left.