Julian Ryerson injury: Borussia Dortmund await diagnosis after rib blow cuts short Norway night

Borussia Dortmund are sweating on the fitness of Julian Ryerson after the 28-year-old was forced off while on international duty with Norway, with the Bundesliga side still awaiting a full diagnosis of a recurring rib problem.

A night that ended early in Lisbon

Ryerson was substituted after 66 minutes of Norway's 2-1 UEFA Nations League defeat to Portugal on Sunday. The full-back had initially picked up a knock to the ribs during Norway's opening win over Denmark, and pain in the same area flared up again during a hard challenge against Portugal, leaving him unable to continue. Leo Østigård came on in his place.

Medical examinations are yet to produce a detailed diagnosis, and both the Norwegian federation and Dortmund are hoping the issue proves minor. No official return date has been offered at this stage.

Why Dortmund are concerned

The concern for Borussia Dortmund is the context: Ryerson has not missed a single competitive game for the club this season, registering three assists in seven appearances across all competitions. He also started both of Norway's Nations League matches this window, underlining how heavily both club and country have leaned on him.

Ståle Solbakken's decision to field Ryerson — a right-back — on the left side of Norway's defence against Portugal, owing to David Møller Wolfe's suspension and a shortage of alternatives, produced an uneven individual display before the injury ended his evening.

What it means for the run ahead

Dortmund host Werder Bremen at Signal Iduna Park when the Bundesliga resumes on Matchday 5 on 9 October, and the hope will be that Ryerson recovers in time. Norway, meanwhile, face Wales on Thursday before the return fixture against Portugal, and it remains unclear whether Ryerson will be able to take any further part in the international window.

The club's supporters have reason to be nervous. Rib injuries of this kind can settle quickly or linger depending on the damage, and until the scans are read there is no firm word either way. For a player who has been an ever-present, even a short absence would force Niko Kovač into a first rethink of his defensive setup this season.

Dortmund's medical staff will assess Ryerson once he rejoins the group, and a clearer picture of his availability for the Werder Bremen clash — and the Champions League fixtures beyond it — should emerge in the coming days.