The German midfielder’s outing was cut dramatically short as he lasted only 25 minutes in the friendly against France in Dortmund.
Ilkay Gündogan now faces a moment of concern at FC Barcelona after he sustained an injury during Germany’s warm-up match with les Bleus in Dortmund. The sequence unfolded early, leaving him to depart the field sooner than expected as Barcelona fans watched with mounting unease about his availability for the weeks ahead.
What began as a routine challenge turned painful when the 21-year-old from the German squad landed awkwardly on his back, landing a heavy blow to the lumbar region. The impact forced him off the pitch in the 25th minute, ending his evening prematurely and elevating worries about a potential spell on the sidelines.
Gündogan walked to the tunnel in visible distress, tears betraying the severity of the moment, an image that underscored the human side of professional football and the fragile balance players navigate between club duties and international fixtures.
At this stage, it remains unclear how long the Germany international will be sidelined. With Pedri also nursing an injury, Barcelona supporters are increasingly anxious about how this will affect the squad, especially as the season progresses and responsibilities at multiple competitions intensify.
Looking ahead, Xavi’s team has a busy schedule, with a match against Real Betis in Barcelona slated for September 16, followed by a Champions League meeting with Antwerp on September 19, a sequence that will test the depth and resilience of the squad.
Citation: Goal