Borussia Dortmund's Marcel Schmelzer (pictured) and Marc Bartra both suffered injuries on Matchday 3. - © © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA
Borussia Dortmund's Marcel Schmelzer (pictured) and Marc Bartra both suffered injuries on Matchday 3. - © © DFL DEUTSCHE FUSSBALL LIGA

Borussia Dortmund's Marcel Schmelzer out for six weeks; Marc Bartra doubtful for Tottenham Hotspur clash

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Borussia Dortmund captain Marcel Schmelzer faces six weeks on the sidelines after suffering ankle ligament damage in Saturday's goalless draw at Freiburg.

The 29-year-old, who was making his first appearance of the campaign after sustaining a similar injury in pre-season, was withdrawn in the first half of the Matchday 3 stalemate in the Black Forest. An MRI scan conducted on Sunday confirmed the skipper had ruptured ankle ligaments in his right foot, ruling him out of Dortmund's upcoming games.

Jam-packed schedule

Schmelzer's defensive colleague Marc Bartra, meanwhile, is facing a race to be fit for BVB's UEFA Champions League clash with Tottenham Hotpsur at Wembley Stadium after picking up a groin injury at the Schwarzwald-Stadion. It is unclear when the Catalan defender will return to training, but his injury is not believed to be as serious as first feared.

Dortmund's midweek trip to London marks the first of six games in the space of just 17 days.

Bosz is already without Marco Reus (ankle ligament), Raphael Guerreiro (ankle), Andre Schürrle (muscular), Erik Durm (hip) and Sebastian Rode (ankle).

Watch: Nuri Sahin bemoans Dortmund's draw at Freiburg

Click here for the Freiburg vs. Dortmund Match Centre