If Borussia Dortmund were in a title race, their hopes would have taken a major hit today. But with a huge lead at the top of the German Bundesliga, today’s news about Shinji Kagawa’s injury is not as dire as it could have been. At least, from the team’s perspective.
Shingi Kagawa To Miss Remainder Of Borussia Dortmund’s Season After Breaking Foot At Asian Cup
From the player's perspective, the news is horrible and ill-timed to the point of irony. The Japanese international came out of relative anonymity to help Borussia Dortmund to a 11 point lead atop the league, even though the attacking midfielder has spent the last month in Qatar, playing for country at the Asian Cup.
Unfortunately for Borussia, international duty has ended the season for the 21-year-old start, Kagawa having broken his right foot in Japan's semifinal win over South Korea. A medical examination upon Kagawa's return to Germany revealed the need for an operation, one which will keep the former Cerezo Osaka star out for the remainder of the season.
Through 17 league matches this season, Kagawa has scored eight goals. At the Asian Cup, Kagawa registered a brace in the Blue Samurai’s quarterfinal brace against Qatar.
Kagawa has been a revelation for Dortmund, being acquired this summer having spent most of his professional career at the second level of the J-League. Playing in the middle three of Jurgen Klopp’s 4-2-3-1, Kagawa has been the key to BVB’s Bundesliga dominance. Now, Borussia are forced to find a full-time replacement, with 18-year-old Mario Götze having recently moved into Kagawa’s role.
See More:
