Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac expressed his frustration towards the referee's decision not to issue a red card to Kelsey Owusu for a serious challenge on Yan Couto. Dortmund secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Essen in the DFB-Pokal with Serhou Guirassay scoring late in the match. Despite the win, concerns arose over Couto’s injury, which required stretcher assistance. Kovac anticipated a severe bruise but remained unsure about the injury's seriousness. Julian Brandt also voiced worry about the team's thin squad and Couto's condition following the brutal challenge.
"I can't let it stand like this," said a furious Kovac. "I have to be honest, that's not how you go into a duel. I don't want to accuse him of any intention, but that's grossly negligent."
"This is brutal," the Germany international said. "First of all, we're a bit lucky that he doesn't stay completely on his leg, but that it's more of a grazing shot. I think otherwise it looks really bad for him."
Kovac was unable to give a clear prognosis of the injury, but hoped Couto was just suffering from a heavy bruise instead of a more serious problem. He said, "I hope that not so much has happened."
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