DORTMUND, Germany — Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck was stretchered off during the latter stages of his team’s 3-2 defeat to Barcelona in the Champions League, suffering what appeared to be a serious ankle injury.

The injury leaves the previous season’s Champions League runners-up with no available central defenders. Schlotterbeck’s last act in the match was an attempt at a header, which went just over the bar. Unfortunately, upon landing, he seemed to experience significant discomfort and pain.

As the match concluded, the referee signaled full time while Schlotterbeck received medical attention. He was later carried away on a stretcher while visibly distressed, covering his face with his hands.

Head Coach Nuri Sahin acknowledged Schlotterbeck’s low spirits after the game, expressing concern about the player’s condition. “I’m awaiting the medical report, but having reviewed the footage, it doesn’t appear to be encouraging,” he remarked to a broadcaster.

Dortmund had previously been forced to pair Schlotterbeck with midfielder Emre Can in the central defensive role due to other injuries. Niklas Süle is expected to miss several months because of his own ankle injury, while Waldemar Anton has been sidelined since late November with a muscle tear.

Currently occupying the sixth spot in the Bundesliga standings, Dortmund will compete against Hoffenheim this Sunday, followed by a match against Wolfsburg on December 22, marking their final game before the winter break.