Greek teenage star Konstantinos Karetsas faced circulatory problems and was stretchered off against Villarreal.
Borussia Dortmund’s teenage sensation Konstantinos Karetsas is receiving medical treatment at a hospital after collapsing on the pitch 25 minutes into his Champions League debut, the German club confirmed on Tuesday.
“Konstantinos Karetsas had to leave the field due to circulatory problems,” a Dortmund statement read. “Kosta is doing well under the circumstances and is being transported to the hospital for further evaluation.”
During the match against Villarreal, the 18-year-old Greek prospect passed the ball to a teammate before signaling his distress to the referee and collapsing onto the grass.
Karetsas received treatment while lying down before being removed from the field on a stretcher. The match was scoreless at the time, though Dortmund eventually secured a 3-2 victory.
“I hope and I think that everything is OK, and I hope that he’s back and fit with us soon,” Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel told a broadcaster.
Karetsas and his Greek teammate Giannis Konstantelias were highly anticipated signings for Dortmund during the summer transfer window. The former Belgium youth international joined the club for $34.9 million from Genk, while Konstantelias was acquired for $30.2 million from PAOK.
The teenager had attracted significant interest from multiple clubs following an impressive campaign at Genk, where he provided 11 assists in 28 Jupiler Pro League appearances. He committed to a five-year contract extending through June 2031.
“With his creativity and game intelligence, Kos will enrich our team,” said Dortmund sporting director Ole Book. “He is technically very skilled and possesses the ability to find quick solutions in tight spaces, particularly in the final third.”
Previously representing Belgium at the youth level, Karetsas chose to play for his parents’ homeland, making his senior debut for Greece in March 2025. He has scored three goals in 10 international appearances.
Meanwhile, the 23-year-old Konstantelias saw his season likely come to an end last month after suffering an ACL injury during his Bundesliga debut.
