Borussia Dortmund confirm Karetsas taken to hospital with circulation problems

Borussia Dortmund endured a major scare in the opening round of the Champions League league phase. Konstantinos Karetsas, one of the club's biggest bets for this season, had to leave the pitch on a stretcher in the 27th minute against Villarreal after collapsing to the ground. What initially looked like a muscle problem was quickly ruled out: the Greek midfielder was dealing with circulation issues and was taken to hospital immediately.

• Karetsas went down in the 27th minute of Dortmund vs Villarreal and was carried off on a stretcher.
• The German club confirmed he had circulation problems rather than a muscle injury.
• The 18-year-old was taken to hospital to undergo further tests.
• Dortmund went on to win 3-2 thanks to a Serhou Guirassy brace on the opening European night.

Karetsas collapses on the pitch and leaves on a stretcher

The scene alarmed everyone inside the stadium. Karetsas had just played the ball to a teammate before signalling to the referee that he was feeling unwell. He sat down on the turf and then lay flat as the medical staff rushed onto the field to assist him. He was carried off on a stretcher with the score still level at 0-0 and concern written across every face in the stands.

The young Greece international had been enjoying a superb start to the campaign and had established himself as an influential figure in the team. His early exit forced the coach to reshuffle the midfield on a night that ended in victory but was overshadowed by the anxiety surrounding his trip to hospital.

Borussia Dortmund's statement on Karetsas' condition

Shortly after the incident, Borussia Dortmund released a statement shedding more light on what had happened. The club explained that the 18-year-old had to come off against Villarreal due to circulation problems and that he was on his way to hospital to undergo additional tests.

Kosta is doing well under the circumstances and is on his way to hospital for further examinations.

That message was intended to reassure a fanbase that had just watched their young star collapse in the middle of a match. The full diagnosis remained pending the medical examinations he was about to undergo.

Dortmund's Greek signings hit by terrible luck

The sight of Karetsas on a stretcher brings back painful memories for Dortmund this season. Giannis Konstantelias, his compatriot and another headline summer signing, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear that is expected to keep him out for virtually the remainder of the campaign.

The coincidence is a cruel blow for the German side, which invested heavily in Greek talent to take a step forward in Europe. Losing two of their most exciting new arrivals this early in the year is a serious setback.

Dortmund grind out a win on the opening Champions League night

Despite the scare, Dortmund managed to beat Villarreal 3-2 in a pulsating contest. Nuri Şahin's side leaned on the finishing of Serhou Guirassy, whose double proved decisive in tipping the match the German club's way. Villarreal, coached by Iñigo Pérez, came close to snatching a draw and kept the pressure on until the final minutes.

The result gives Dortmund a solid start in the new Champions League format, although Karetsas' condition matters far more than any scoreline on a night like this.

What Dortmund can take from the opening European fixture

Starting with a win gives Dortmund genuine hope of pushing for a place in the top eight, which means direct qualification for the round of 16 without going through a play-off. With 36 teams competing in a single table, every point is precious and goals could prove decisive when tiebreakers come into play.

Yet the margin for error is thin and the schedule is unforgiving. A potential absence for Karetsas would add to the already confirmed loss of Konstantelias, just as the team needs squad depth to compete at the highest level in both the Bundesliga and Europe.