BVB sweating: Schlotterbeck could also miss out against RB Leipzig | OneFootball

The defense practically set itself up. In the 2-0 victory against Atalanta Bergamo in the Champions League play-off first leg, Dortmund’s backline saw player after player drop out. However, the remaining Waldemar Anton (29), Ramy Bensebaini (30), and youngster Luca Reggiani (18) did an exceptionally good job.

The trio handled their task in the duel with the sixth-placed team in Serie A with composure. When referee Serdar Gözübüyük (40) blew the final whistle, BVB had not conceded a single goal. Even the number of dangerous situations in Dortmund’s penalty area could be counted on one hand.

This performance is all the more remarkable considering Reggiani entered the match with just 46 minutes of professional experience. Bensebaini is known to feel more comfortable on the wing. Yet, there was little to criticize against Bergamo.

However, the Black and Yellows cannot rest on their success. Already on Saturday (February 21, 6:30 pm), Borussia faces the top Bundesliga match against RB Leipzig. The following Wednesday (February 25, 6:45 pm) brings the second and decisive clash against the Nerazzurri. Just three days later, FC Bayern Munich visits Signal Iduna Park for the Klassiker (February 28, 6:30 pm).

Süle “will need a bit longer”

Despite the strong performance from Anton, Bensebaini, and Reggiani in the Champions League, the return of defensive leader Nico Schlotterbeck is eagerly awaited. Muscular problems forced the 26-year-old center-back into a spectator role against Atalanta. BVB coach Niko Kovac, however, cannot give the all-clear. “At the moment, I can’t announce any further updates,” he is quoted as saying by BILD. “We are working hard to get the players back as quickly as possible. I hope that maybe someone will return in one of the next games.”

Photo: IMAGO

Sebastian Kehl (46) is also holding back on making a concrete prediction. “I can’t say at the moment,” the sporting director insists. “We’ll see which players are available to us on Saturday.” In addition to Schlotterbeck, Emre Can (32/adductor problems), Filippo Mane (20/muscle injury), and Niklas Süle (30/thigh muscle injury) are also currently missing. Kovac on the latter: “Niki will certainly need a bit longer. Exactly how long, I don’t know.”

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