Karetsas returns to Dortmund training after Champions League health scare

File Image: Borussia Dortmund midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas returned to team training after being hospitalised following a health scare during his Champions League debut. | Photo Credit: AFP

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas has returned to team training just over a week after he was stretchered off during his Champions League debut following a health scare.

The 18-year-old went down during Dortmund’s 3-2 win over Villarreal on September 8 after signalling to the referee that he was in distress. He was taken off in tears and later admitted to hospital with suspected circulatory problems.

Dortmund confirmed on Wednesday that Karetsas had rejoined his teammates after completing individual training sessions earlier in the week.

“Konstantinos Karetsas is back in team training as of Wednesday after doing individual sessions at the start of the week,” the club said.

ALSO READ | Dortmund teenager Karetsas in hospital with circulation issue after collapse against Villarreal

Dortmund has not revealed details of a diagnosis and has also not confirmed whether Karetsas will be available for Saturday’s Bundesliga match against Stuttgart.

The Greece international, who was born in Belgium, joined Dortmund from Genk last month for a reported fee of $34.6 million.

Belgian media have reported that dehydration may have contributed to the incident, although the club has not confirmed this.

Karetsas said earlier this week that tests had shown no major problem and that he was feeling well.

“I’m doing really well. We tested everything and everything is fine,” he said during a visit to former club Genk. “I just need to adjust a bit to the intensity but that will come with time.”

Dortmund sporting director Ole Book had said Karetsas was unable to speak properly immediately after leaving the field.

The teenager was later able to watch Dortmund’s 3-0 win over Paderborn from the stands on Saturday.

Managing director Lars Ricken said there had been no warning signs of circulatory problems before the incident.