Mario Gotze injured, in doubt for Champions League final

Mario Gotze’s status for the Champions League final is in doubt after suffering an apparent upper leg injury. Gotze was injured in the second leg of Borussia Dortmund’s semifinal second leg against Real Madrid and was seen grabbing his leg before being subbed off in the 14 minute.

“It’s going to be race against time for the things to come,” Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp said about his star after the match.

It is unclear how serious the injury is, but a tear could keep him out up to five weeks. That would put his availability for the May 25 final in serious doubt.

“We’re just going to have to see; I don’t know right now,” Gotze added.

Gotze will certainly miss this weekend’s match against Bayern Munich in the league this weekend. After that, his status becomes a question mark.

Dortmund will likely turn to Kevin Grosskreutz in Gotze’s absence. Grosskreutz entered for Gotze on Tuesday and can keep the team’s same basic shape and system intact, but he is obviously nearly as good as Gotze. With Bayern Munich awaiting them in the final, Dortmund would have a tough enough time with a healthy Gotze. Without him, the task just gets that much taller.

• The glorious return of Ronaldo and Mourinho?

• Full coverage of Madrid-Dortmund

• Where has it gone wrong for Newcastle?

• Javier Zanetti tears Achilles, but vows to return.

• Full coverage of the NWSL