Berlin, Nov 24 (IANS): German club Borussia Dortmund lost midfielder Marco Reus to an ankle injury until January 2015, the club has confirmed in a statement.

Dortmund, struggling for form in the German League this year, not only squandered a two-goal lead to settle for a draw against newly promoted Paderborn Sunday, but also lost Reus Sunday, who had to be carried off following a strong challenge on him during the match, reports Xinhua.

Dortmund's worst fears came true later as an examination revealed that Reus partially tore his right ankle ligament. It is a fresh setback for Dortmund and Reus, who just returned from his third ankle injury within five months.

The 25-year-old German international will now miss the last half of this year's action and start his comeback in January 2015.

"I hope for a quick recovery. You just can't have such a misfortune," Dortmund CEO Hans Joachim Watzke told the clubs official homepage Sunday.

Dortmund are at a disappointing 15th position and in touching distance to the relegation zone of the league standings.