Borussia Dortmund plead with Greece to rest 18-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas

Borussia Dortmund have taken the unusual step of contacting the Greek national team hierarchy to request a more measured approach to the playing time of 18-year-old Konstantinos Karetsas. The club is wary of the mounting physical toll on the youngster, who has become a vital component for both his club and country.

Karetsas has been a mainstay for Greece during their recent Nations League campaign, starting all three fixtures so far and playing the full 90 minutes in their victory over Germany. The Bundesliga side is particularly concerned because the player only recently returned from an injury layoff, and they are desperate to prevent a relapse caused by overexertion.

Dortmund's intervention comes at a delicate time as they prepare for a high-stakes Friday night clash against Werder Bremen just five days after the international window closes. The club hierarchy is eager to minimize his workload to ensure he remains fit for the return of domestic football.

The federations are in contact with European clubs every week. Since I have been national coach here, there has not yet been a club in Europe that has demanded special treatment from us. It is also completely clear that every player wants to play for his national team. As long as I am the coach, there will be no exceptions. Ivan Ivanovic

Greece head coach Ivan Ivanovic appears unlikely to grant the request, insisting that the national team's needs remain his primary focus. Reports suggest that despite BVB's pleas, the teenager is expected to retain his starting spot for the upcoming rematch against Germany in Thessaloniki.