Borussia Dortmund Faces Goalkeeping Challenge Ahead of Bundesliga Resumption

Borussia Dortmund is preparing to face Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga’s 2026 restart, but they may have to do so without their first-choice goalkeeper, Gregor Kobel. Reports from Kicker and various other German football media indicate that Kobel has left Dortmund’s January training camp in Marbella, Spain, due to illness. He has been a key player, starting and completing all 24 competitive matches this year.

Backup goalkeeper Alexander Meyer has considerable Bundesliga experience but may face a challenging return to action if Kobel is unavailable for Friday’s match at Deutsche Bank Park. Meyer’s last league appearance was on November 11, 2024, and he has only made 17 Bundesliga appearances in total, with a record that includes conceding three goals in a 3-1 defeat during one of those matches.

Despite Dortmund’s inconsistent performances this season, Kobel has stood out as one of the most reliable members of Niko Kovac’s squad. The 28-year-old currently leads the Kicker goalkeeper rankings, having achieved eight clean sheets and conceded a mere 12 goals over the first 15 rounds of Bundesliga action. He also boasts a save rate of 75.5%, the highest among starting goalkeepers in the league.

In addition to his league performances, Kobel has allowed only two goals in three DFB Pokal matches and has shone in the Champions League. His impressive form has earned him nine international caps for Switzerland throughout 2025. This season marks Kobel’s fifth with Borussia Dortmund, and he has managed to remain injury-free for the first time since joining the club.