Dortmund's Subotić faces six months on sidelines

Borussia Dortmund will have to do without the services of Neven Subotić for a minimum of six months after the Serbia defender tore cruciate knee ligaments during Saturday's 2-1 loss at VfL Wolfsburg.

Subotić, who has formed a formidable partnership with Mats Hummels since joining from 1. FSV Mainz 05 in 2008, incurred the injury on the stroke of half-time. "Neven Subotić is out for the rest of the season. The central defender has torn the posterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his right knee. According to team doctor Markus Braun, the 24-year-old will be out for at least six months," a club statement confirmed.

Jürgen Klopp's team are now four points behind leaders FC Bayern München in the Bundesliga and third in UEFA Champions League Group F following Wednesday's 1-0 defeat against Arsenal FC. Victory is therefore paramount at home to SSC Napoli on 26 November before an away trip to Olympique de Marseille on matchday six a fortnight later.