Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel tears Achilles tendon

Posted January 10, 2021 6:00 am

The Associated Press

DORTMUND, Germany (AP) - Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel is at risk of missing the European Championship after tearing his Achilles tendon, an injury his German club said will sideline him for 'œthe coming months.'ť

Borussia Dortmund said Sunday that the 31-year-old midfielder tore his left Achilles tendon during the first half of the team's 3-1 win in Leipzig on Saturday. It was a non-contact injury.

Belgium coach Roberto Martinez said such an injury can take between four to seven months to recover.

'œThis is not a moment to be thinking about whether he'll be missing the European Championship or not. Now it's about taking the next step correctly and making sure that he knows we're going to wait to the last second before we announce that squad,'ť Martinez said.

The European Championship is scheduled to start on June 11.

Dortmund did not specify if surgery will be needed. Witsel has made more than 100 appearances for Belgium.

___

More AP soccer: https://apnews.com/Soccer and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

Dortmund's Axel Witsel leaves the pitch after being injured during the German Bundesliga soccer match between RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund in Leipzig, Germany, Saturday, Jan. 9, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Sohn) The Associated Press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Content Providers MLS Pro Sports Soccer Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.