Guirassy fit to play? Kovac gives squad update ahead of Bilbao clash | OneFootball

Before the Champions League match against Athletic Bilbao, BVB coach Kovac gives the all-clear regarding Serhou Guirassy. However, BVB will still have to do without several professionals against the Spanish side.

Borussia Dortmund wants to get back on track in their second Champions League match of the season against Athletic Bilbao (Wednesday, 9 p.m./DAZN). After a 2-0 victory in Mainz and the spectacular 4-4 draw at Juventus Turin to kick off the Champions League campaign, coach Niko Kovac is relying on a largely fit squad – especially Serhou Guirassy.

The striker had to cut short his warm-up during Saturday’s league match against Mainz due to thigh problems, but is apparently available again. Kovac explained: “Serhou completed the final training session. Everything was fine. He would be ready to play tomorrow.” Last season, Guirassy scored numerous important goals for BVB, and Kovac praised his significance: “Serhou has scored a lot of goals for us, and many of them were very important.”

In addition to Guirassy, the Black and Yellows are still missing several players. Emre Can (adductor problems) and Julien Duranville (acromioclavicular joint sprain) are unavailable. Aarón Anselmino is also unable to play after a setback with his muscle injury.

Guirassy returns: Kovac talks about BVB squad

BVB is unbeaten in the Bundesliga for 13 games and has recorded eleven wins and six draws in their last 18 Champions League home matches. Looking ahead to the upcoming match, Kovac emphasized the quality of the opponent: “Bilbao has quality, every player is technically very clean and skillful. The cohesion at Athletic Bilbao is immense, and the identification with this club and region is very strong.” Bilbao is “compact, homogeneous, and good at transitions,” warned the coach.

In Mainz, Julian Brandt stepped into the starting eleven at short notice for Guirassy and shone as the provider for both goals. Kovac praised: “Julian Brandt did a great job.” In the upcoming match, Brandt could once again start alongside Guirassy, which would mean Maximilian Beier would have to make way in attack.

BVB wants to secure their first Champions League win after the opening draw in Turin. The minimum goal is a place in the top 24 to qualify for the playoffs, but given their current form and the fixture list, Dortmund can certainly aim for eighth place and direct qualification for the round of 16.

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