BVB rocked ahead of Inter clash: another defensive star ruled out | OneFootball

Before the decisive Champions League clash against Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund suffers a major setback. Defensive leader Waldemar Anton is ruled out at short notice, further worsening the already tense personnel situation.

Borussia Dortmund has to cope with a bitter setback in the crucial Champions League match against Inter Milan on Wednesday evening (9 p.m.). Waldemar Anton will not be available to the Black and Yellows at short notice. As first reported by Ruhr Nachrichten, the central defender was absent on Wednesday afternoon when the team departed for the hotel. Shortly after, Sky confirmed that the German international is suffering from an infection and will miss the clash with the Nerazzurri.

This loss hits BVB particularly hard, as Anton has played a central role this season. Whenever he was fit, the 29-year-old played the full 90 minutes in 26 out of 27 possible competitive matches. Now, of all times, in the final matchday of the group stage, where direct qualification for the round of 16 is still at stake, the defensive star is missing.

In any case, Borussia Dortmund's personnel situation is tense. In addition to Anton, Marcel Sabitzer and Niklas Süle are also unavailable due to injury, Daniel Svensson is suspended, and Salih Özcan is not registered for the Champions League.

Only 17 players in the squad against Inter Milan: BVB stretched to the limit

Photo: IMAGO

On top of that, the departure of Aaron Anselmino, who was recently recalled by Chelsea FC, further reduces the squad. Against Inter, coach Niko Kovac will have only 17 professionals available—a situation that makes the defense particularly vulnerable.

In the starting lineup, Ramy Bensebaini is likely to move into the back three in place of Anton, forming the defense together with Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can. The Algerian did not feature in the recent 3-0 win in Berlin and, due to physical problems and his participation in the Africa Cup, has played only one match since mid-December. Behind the presumed starting formation, Filippo Mané remains the only nominal central defender as a backup.

From a sporting perspective, the situation is clear: In order to still have a chance of direct qualification for the round of 16, BVB absolutely needs a home win against Inter Milan and is also dependent on slip-ups from their rivals. A draw would definitely not be enough. Otherwise, everything points to a playoff spot.

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