Dortmund’s Champions League opener marred by Karetsas health scare
Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 Champions League win over Villarreal has been overshadowed by a worrying health scare for 18-year-old midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas, who collapsed with circulatory problems and was taken to hospital for tests. Dortmund say Karetsas is "doing well under the circumstances," but the incident has raised fresh concern over player welfare at the start of the European campaign.
Dortmund’s Champions League win over Villarreal overshadowed by Karetsas health scare
Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 victory over Villarreal to open their Champions League league-stage campaign has been overshadowed by serious concern for Konstantinos Karetsas, after the teenager collapsed on the pitch with circulatory problems and was taken to hospital for further tests.
Karetsas collapses and is taken to hospital
The incident occurred in the first half of Dortmund’s home win over Villarreal, with Karetsas going to ground after playing a pass and requiring immediate treatment on the field.
According to Dortmund’s statement reported by the BBC, the 18-year-old Greece midfielder "had to leave the field due to circulatory problems" and was substituted in the 27th minute after receiving medical attention.
"Konstantinos Karetsas had to leave the field due to circulatory problems," said Dortmund in a statement. "Kosta is doing well under the circumstances and is on his way to the hospital for further tests." (BBC Sport)
German agency Picture Alliance reports that Karetsas, described as a Greek newcomer, had to be carried off on a stretcher in front of 77,500 fans at Dortmund’s stadium due to the same circulatory issue.
Dortmund’s update that he is "doing well under the circumstances" but undergoing hospital tests underlines both the seriousness of the scare and the club’s attempt to reassure supporters.
A dramatic 3-2 win takes a back seat
On the field, Dortmund edged Villarreal in a hard-fought 3-2 (0-0 at half-time) win, securing an important opening victory in the Champions League’s new league phase, as described by .