Sven Bender, Borussia Dortmund
Borussia Dortmund have been dealt a triple injury blow with the news that Sven Bender will join the duo of Mats Hummels and Jakub Blaszczykowski, who are set for spells on the sidelines.
The alarm bells are already ringing for the German champions, who are nine points behind leaders Bayern Munich and lie fourth in the Bundesliga after a shaky start to the season.
Hummels faces a fortnight out and has been forced to withdraw from the Germany squad to face Republic of Ireland and Sweden after picking up a foot injury during the 1-1 draw with Hannover.
Defensive midfielder Bender is expected to take two weeks to recover after suffering concussion and bruising around the eye during the 1-1 draw with Hannover. There is worse news regarding Polish international Blaszczykowski, who is set for a much longer layoff after tearing ankle ligaments.
He said he hoped to return within “four to six weeks” but an accurate return date will depend on the results of a scan.