After Schlotterbeck blow: Hummels ready for BVB comeback | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund is at its personnel limit heading into the Champions League playoff against Atalanta Bergamo. After Schlotterbeck's absence, BVB icon Mats Hummels chimes in with a tongue-in-cheek comeback offer.

The personnel situation at Borussia Dortmund is dramatically escalating ahead of the Champions League playoff against Atalanta Bergamo. There is an acute shortage in the central defense – and of all people, a club icon speaks up with a wink: Mats Hummels. Coach Niko Kovac will have to do without several defensive players in the crucial first leg on Tuesday evening (9 PM).

In addition to Emre Can and Filippo Mane, Niklas Süle and Nico Schlotterbeck are also out. This leaves BVB with virtually no options in the center of defense. Amidst this crisis, Hummels caused a stir on social media. The 2014 World Cup winner posted a photo from the empty Signal Iduna Park and wrote: "When is the registration deadline?" – accompanied by a tag of the official UEFA account. A humorous jab that sparked plenty of reactions from fans.

Of course, a short-term comeback for the 37-year-old is not a realistic scenario. But the situation is so tense that BVB must currently consider every available alternative. During the 4-0 victory against Mainz 05, the situation had already intensified: Süle replaced the yellow-carded Schlotterbeck but had to be substituted at halftime due to an injury. The 18-year-old Luca Reggiani came into the game for him.

Schlotterbeck's absence exacerbates BVB's personnel worries

The youngster is now one of the few remaining options in central defense against Atalanta. A lineup change is also conceivable: Julian Ryerson could move from the outside into central defense, while Yan Couto acts as a wing-back. Other alternatives in the center would be Salih Özcan or Almugera Kabar.

The precarious situation is also a result of the winter transfer period. Aarón Anselmino was recalled by his parent club Chelsea via a clause and subsequently loaned out again, leaving no additional reinforcement for the defense.

Photo: IMAGO

Thus, Hummels' Instagram post remains a joke – but it hits a sore spot. Dortmund faces a tremendous challenge without defensive leader Schlotterbeck. Against Atalanta, it's about setting the course for the round of 16. And given the absences, many BVB fans might wish that Mats Hummels would indeed don the black and yellow jersey one more time tonight.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.