BVB star out at short notice before CL clash with Bodø/Glimt | OneFootball

Before the Champions League clash with Bodø/Glimt, BVB must surprisingly do without a midfield star. Nevertheless, coach Niko Kovac can still draw on almost his entire squad.

Borussia Dortmund heads into the Champions League duel with Bodø/Glimt with momentum – but will have to do without an in-form midfielder at short notice. Marcel Sabitzer has not traveled to the team hotel and is therefore surprisingly not in the squad. According to Ruhr Nachrichten, his absence at departure was a clear indication of a dropout, but no reason was given.

This absence hits BVB at a time when Sabitzer had reestablished himself under Niko Kovac and had recently started three games in a row. Alternatives for the central midfield now include Jobe Bellingham or Pascal Groß, who could start alongside Felix Nmecha.

At least there is also good news: Niklas Süle is back in the squad after a weeks-long break due to a toe injury. The center-back had already resumed training on Friday and was also spotted at the team hotel.

Sportingly, the situation is clear: with a win, Dortmund could climb up to third place in the table and take an important step towards the round of 16.

BVB without Sabitzer against Bodø/Glimt

However, Kovac warned against underestimating the underdog. “We have watched their games. From our point of view, they definitely have too few points, because they were always close,” explained the coach. Despite the season ending in late November, Bodø/Glimt “remains a team that is still hungry.”

The coach also hinted at a larger rotation. Since almost the entire squad is available to him, he said: “Everyone is healthy. In theory, eleven changes would be possible.” However, Kovac left open which personnel decisions he would make: “We want to win the game and no matter who plays, he will give his best.”

Bodø/Glimt arrives after their league season has already ended. Due to the long winter in the north, the Norwegian championship ends as early as November – nevertheless, the Norwegians still have three Champions League matches to play until January.

BVB goes into the encounter as favorites after the 2-0 win over Hoffenheim and being in sixth place in the Champions League. But the late loss of Sabitzer forces Kovac to make last-minute adjustments in a match where three points are a must.

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