BERLIN, March 1 (Xinhua) -- Borussia Dortmund captain Emre Can will miss the rest of the season after suffering a cruciate ligament tear in his left knee during Saturday's defeat to Bayern Munich.
Dortmund confirmed the injury on Sunday after Can was forced off in the first half following a collision with Bayern defender Konrad Laimer. Can initially tried to continue but was eventually replaced by Ramy Bensebaini.
The injury is another blow for the 32-year-old midfielder, who had only recently returned to the starting lineup after missing three matches with a thigh problem. Making his first start since Dortmund's win at Union Berlin in the 19th round, Can's comeback proved short-lived.
Coach Niko Kovac said the captain tried to play on before the medical staff intervened.
"He gritted his teeth. But in the end, it did not work. You could see he had picked up a knock. He tried once more to push through the pain as our captain, but he just could not continue. That is why we made a substitution," Kovac said.
Dortmund later confirmed the severity of the injury, ruling Can out for several months and effectively ending his season.
Sporting director Sebastian Kehl called the diagnosis a heavy setback for both player and club.
"Emre's injury is extremely bitter. Not just for him, but for all of us. He is our captain, he always puts the team before himself, and is an important part of our club," Kehl said.
"Over the next few months, Emre will receive every possible support from us to ensure he makes a full recovery," he added.
Dortmund is 11 points behind league leader Bayern Munich and six clear of third-placed TSG Hoffenheim. ■
