MANUEL AKANJI NEWS

Consistent starter Akanji made 26 appearances (25 starts) during the 2021/22 Bundesliga season.

Impact Akanji was a consistent piece of the Dortmund defense throughout the campaign. The central defender's future is murky as reports have surfaced that he is refusing to sign a new contract, pushing Dortmund to sell him as he enters his final year with the club. That said wherever Akanji goes he will likely be a stout defender, and one capable of taking on some major minutes, as he has shown with four straight seasons over 2,200 minutes for Dortmund.

JUNE 7, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Dortmund licks wounds, pivots to rebuild for next season

Borussia Dortmund is already looking ahead to the next season as its current campaign is set to end in frustration and disappointment

MAY 12, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

First goal of season Akanji scored a goal with his lone shot while blocking a shot, making a tackle and four clearances during Saturday's 6-1 win over Wolfsburg.

Impact Akanji found the back of the net in the 28th minute scoring Dortmund's second goal. The goal was the first of the season for the defender while his lone block led Dortmund in the win.

APRIL 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Starting against Koln Akanji (calf) is in Dortmund's starting lineup for Sunday's clash against FC Koln.

Impact Akanji has missed Dortmund's last four Bundesliga games since suffering a calf injury in mid-February, but he's back in the lineup from the start in central defense on Sunday.

MARCH 20, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Still out Wednesday Akanji (calf) will not be in the squad to face Mainz on Wednesday.

Impact Akanji will be out of the lineup for his fifth consecutive contest due to his lingering calf problem. The defender has returned to training, so it's possible he'll be ready to get back on the pitch versus Koln on Sunday and just wasn't quiet ready for the club's mid-week clash.

MARCH 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Returns to training Akanji (calf) returned to training Thursday, Dortmund announced.

Impact Akanji returned to training, and could be an option for Sunday's clash with Bielefeld, if that match happens. With Mats Hummels (COVID-19) testing positive for COVID-19, Akanji could be in line for a start, though rushing back from a long-term calf injury is a recipe for disaster to the already injury-stricken Dortmund defense.

MARCH 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Out against Augsburg Akanji (calf) is not in Dortmund's match day squad for Sunday's clash against Augsburg.

Impact Akanji has missed Dortmund's last two games with a calf injury and he is out on Sunday as well. Marin Pongracic is filling in at center back in his absence against Augsburg.

FEBRUARY 27, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up calf injury Akanji picked up a calf injury during Thursday's 4-2 loss to Rangers in the Europa League.

Impact Akanji had to be brought off the pitch and was in clear discomfort holding his right calf. The hope is that it's simply a knock, but on a night where Dortmund where heavily outplayed it could be bad to worse. If Akanji can't play Sunday against Gladbach it will likely fall onto Dan-Axel Zagadou to deputize in central defense.

FEBRUARY 18, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Dortmund cuts Bayern's lead with 3-0 win at Union Berlin

Marco Reus has scored twice to lead Borussia Dortmund to a 3-0 win at Union Berlin and cut Bayern Munich’s Bundesliga lead to six points

FEBRUARY 13, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Humiliating 5-2 home loss for Dortmund against Leverkusen

Borussia Dortmund has been outclassed and outgunned in a humiliating 5-2 loss at home to Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga

FEBRUARY 6, 2022 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Starts on Sunday Akanji is fit and in the starting XI for Sunday's match with Leverkusen.

Impact Akanji returns after leaving Dortmund's previous match with a lower leg injury. The defender takes up a role in the Dortmund back line for their Bundesliga clash with Leverkusen.

FEBRUARY 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Comes off injured Akanji came off with a lower leg injury during Saturday's 3-2 win over Hoffenheim.

Impact Akanji is just returning from knee surgery and in his first match back it appears that he is dealing with yet another lower leg issue. The defender came off after 83 minutes and was dealing with either a calf or hamstring issue. The hope is that it's something that will heal over the international break. If it doesn't, Dan-Axel Zagadou figures to consistently move into the starting XI.

JANUARY 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Could be available against Freiburg Dortmund manager Marco Rose said Thursday that Akanji (knee) "is an option" and "looks good" ahead of Friday's clash against SC Freiburg.

Impact Akanji hasn't featured since undergoing knee surgery in December, but he has been recovering well and might be available for selection on Friday. Marin Pongracic or Emre Can could also continue in central defense if he isn't quite ready yet.

JANUARY 13, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Remains out, recovering Akanji (knee) will miss Saturday's trip to Frankfurt as he continues to recover from a knee surgery, according to Ruhr Nachrichten.

Impact Akanji is yet another absence for Dortmund, though he is at least an injury, not another positive COVID-19 case. The defender is set to miss Saturday's trip alongside Marius Wolf, leaving the Dortmund backline taxed to say the least. Akanji has an outside chance of returning to training in some capacity in the next week.

JANUARY 6, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Undergoes knee surgery Akanji (knee) has undergone successful surgery, Dortmund announced Monday. The aim is for him to rejoin training at the new year.

Impact Akanji has been out for about a week with a knee injury, and his recovery from surgery will hold him out until at least January. Dan-Axel Zagadou is likely to continue to fill in for him in central defense alongside Mats Hummels until Akanji is ready to return.

DECEMBER 13, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Missing from action Tuesday Akanji was left out of Tuesday's squad to face Besiktas following a minor knee procedure.

Impact Akanji has started 19 straight contests for the club this year, in which he generated 10 shots (two on target), 43 clearances and 31 interceptions. In his stead, Dan-Axel Zagadou will make his first start of the season Tuesday and could continue to feature during Akanji's absence.

DECEMBER 7, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Training lightly Akanji (undisclosed) is training lightly ahead of a Saturday clash with Bayern, according to manager Marco Rose.

Impact Akanji is dealing with a knock and a groin injury, but the hope is that he will be able to make a full appearance Saturday. The defender isn't a major fantasy option even when playing due to his role at center back.

DECEMBER 3, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Hazard scores 2, leads Dortmund into 3rd round of German Cup

Defending champion Borussia Dortmund reached the third round of the German Cup with a 2-0 victory over second-division club Ingolstadt

OCTOBER 26, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS

Starts against Mainz Akanji has been included in the playing XI against Mainz on Saturday.

Impact Akanji will start Saturday's fixture. The defender was uncertain to take part in the match because of a groin problem.

OCTOBER 16, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

"Looks good" for Saturday Akanji (groin) is looking good for Saturday's clash with Mainz, according to manager Marco Rose.

Impact Akanji is looking good for Saturday's clash with Mainz, a good sign for the defender who has played every single minute this season. He will slot straight into the starting XI if healthy, and if he follows the current trend he should play.

OCTOBER 14, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Saturday return possible Akanji (groin) is likely to be available for Saturday's clash with Mainz, according to Ruhr Nachrichten.

Impact Akanji is likely to be an option for Saturday's match, a big coup for Dortmund, who have relied on the defender in every single match this season. If Akanji is available the signs point towards him playing, whether that is off the bench or starting, his presence has been crucial thus far. Akanji has started, and played the full 90, in all seven league matches, and both Champions League matches.

OCTOBER 12, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Picks up possible groin issue Akanji has returned to Dortmund from the Swiss national team because of an adductor issue, reports Ruhr24.

Impact This isn't a great sign for Akanji, who has yet to miss a minute for Dortmund this season, something that likely played a part in this injury. If he's forced to miss time, Dortmund may turn to Emre Can on the back line against Mainz on Saturday.

OCTOBER 11, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Tuesday Akanji (undisclosed) will feature in the starting XI against Sporting CP on Tuesday.

Impact Akanji has yet to miss a match for the club this season, so his inclusion in the starting XI shouldn't come as a surprise. The defender won't offer much in the way of fantasy value given his lack of offensive upside considering he has just five shots (one on target) in those seven matches.

SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Not in training Akanji was one of many Dortmund players who didn't take part in the team's final training session before Tuesday's Champions League clash against Sporting, according to Ruhr Nachri...

Impact Akanji's status for Tuesday's game is questionable now, and Dortmund already have a long list of injured players before adding him potentially to the list.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021 • ROTOWIRE

Lewandowski leads Bayern to German Super Cup win in Dortmund

Robert Lewandowski has scored twice for Bayern Munich to beat Borussia Dortmund 3-1 in the German Super Cup and give coach Julian Nagelsmann his first win in charge

AUGUST 17, 2021 • ASSOCIATED PRESS