Borussia Dortmund have received a triple boost ahead of their Bundesliga meeting with VfB Stuttgart, with Konstantinos Karetsas cleared to return to training, Serhou Guirassy committing his future to the club and president Hans-Joachim Watzke moving to secure the contracts of three key executives.
Karetsas, the 18-year-old Greek midfielder who collapsed during his Champions League debut against Villarreal, has been given the all-clear to resume full training. The €30 million summer signing from KRC Genk was carried off on a stretcher after 25 minutes with circulatory problems but rigorous medical tests over three days revealed "no abnormalities whatsoever," according to managing director Lars Ricken.
"We'll see if he's fit to play against Stuttgart," Ricken said, while manager Niko Kovac added: "If everything goes as planned and he can train with the team again, he would be an option against VfB Stuttgart."
Karetsas had been working individually earlier in the week before joining team training on Wednesday.
While Karetsas looks set to return to action, Guirassy has ended speculation over his future by committing to Dortmund. The Guinea international, who had been linked with a departure after a frustrating 2025-26 campaign, revealed that a summer summit meeting with the club's hierarchy convinced him to stay.
"I spoke to someone I know well and who knows about these things. In football you have a lot of pressure, but I let as little of it as possible get to me. That way I can give the team my best," Guirassy told Sport Bild, explaining how he worked on his mental resilience during the close season.
The striker, who has six goal involvements in five competitive appearances this term, also opened the door to a contract extension beyond his current 2028 deal. "If I have this level in the coming years — why not? I feel fit and we will see what the future holds for me. I still have big plans here."
Borussia Dortmund backed up their promises by signing Karetsas, Giannis Konstantelias and Ethan Nwaneri — creative players designed to supply Guirassy with better service. The partnership with Fábio Silva has also flourished, with the Portuguese forward and the Guinean striker forming a potent attacking duo.
Off the pitch, Watzke is working to ensure continuity at executive level. Sport Bild reports that the 67-year-old plans to extend the contracts of sporting director Lars Ricken, chief executive Carsten Cramer and finance director Thomas Treß. All three currently have deals running until 2027.
"I have the impression that all those involved — including coach Niko Kovac — are working together very purposefully. We often have controversial discussions here, which I like," Watzke said, praising the constructive atmosphere at the club.
He also expressed satisfaction with the summer transfer window, describing the recruitment as "plausible and well-planned." Sporting director Ole Book, who joined in March on a contract until 2029, played a central role in the club's market activity.