Dortmund’s Defensive Challenges Ahead of Champions League Clash

omidbasir- Borussia Dortmund has confirmed that centre-backs Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle will be unavailable for their midweek match.

On Tuesday, Dortmund will face Atalanta in the first leg of their Champions League playoff, with a return leg scheduled for next week in Bergamo.

Both players missed training today due to a muscular issue and a thigh injury, respectively. Schlotterbeck, 26, was recently suspended during Dortmund’s 4-0 victory over Mainz, while Süle played the first half of that match before being substituted at halftime after receiving a yellow card, making way for Luca Reggiani.

The absence of these two experienced defenders presents a selection dilemma for coach Niko Kovac. Currently, the only fit natural senior centre-back available is Waldemar Anton, as Emre Can, who can also fill in at centre-back, is sidelined due to injury as well.

It is anticipated that Ramy Bensebaini will step into a back-three alongside Anton, and there is a possibility that Reggiani may be awarded his first start.