Borussia Dortmund face a significant setback as 19-year-old winger Julien Duranville suffers a suspected acromioclavicular joint injury, likely requiring surgery and sidelining him until late 2025. 

The Belgian starlet, signed from Anderlecht for €8.5 million in 2023, was expected to bolster Dortmund’s flanks as the Bundesliga season approaches. 

His injury, sustained in training and worsened against Real Madrid, dims hopes for dynamic wing play.

Dortmund’s wing depth is further strained following the €65 million sale of Jamie Gittens to Chelsea. 

The loss of Gittens’ flair and Duranville’s explosive pace severely limits BVB’s attacking width, exposing vulnerabilities in Niko Kovač’s tactical setup.

Kovač’s preference for narrow forwards may mask the issue temporarily, but the absence of natural wingers forces Dortmund to lean heavily on central creativity and midfield runs.

Players like Jobe Bellingham, Felix Nmecha, and Pascal Groß excel in the final third, but their box-to-box versatility may struggle to cover the roles of defensive midfielder, central playmaker, and wide attackers simultaneously. 

This imbalance could hinder Dortmund’s fluidity and attacking output in the Bundesliga and European competitions. 

The reliance on midfielders to stretch play may also expose defensive frailties, as Kovač’s system demands balance.

With funds from the FIFA Club World Cup and player sales, Dortmund have resources to address these gaps.

However, the club must act swiftly in the transfer market to secure reinforcements and align with long-term goals. 

Failure to replace Duranville and Gittens risks undermining Kovač’s vision and Dortmund’s ambitions. 

The coming months will test BVB’s resilience and adaptability as they navigate this challenging period without two key wingers, with fans anxiously awaiting updates on Duranville’s recovery.