Kovac says before Borussia clash: “Nmecha only if…” | OneFootball

It’s done: Borussia Dortmund have secured their place in the Champions League. After a brilliant 4-0 win over SC Freiburg, BVB are guaranteed to compete in Europe’s top competition. On Sunday (May 3, 5:30 p.m.), the match in Mönchengladbach is on the schedule. “It’s always a bit of a prestige duel as well,” says Niko Kovac (54).

In the Borussia derby, the BVB coach will have to do without several key players. Felix Nmecha (25) is still not an option after suffering a torn lateral ligament in his knee more than four weeks ago. However, the midfield strategist is “on the road to recovery,” Kovac said on Thursday at the press conference ahead of the away trip to the Lower Rhine.

Against Mönchengladbach, Karim Adeyemi (24) and Niklas Süle (30) will still be unavailable alongside long-term absentee Emre Can (32). Ramy Bensebaini (31) has now also been added to the injury list after struggling with a swollen foot following the Freiburg match. The Algerian, who has been outstanding recently, will therefore likely have to sit out on Sunday. Things look better, however, for the ill Yan Couto (23) and Jobe Bellingham (20), who are expected to be available again at the weekend.

Praise for young duo

The absence of midfield engine Nmecha in particular is noticeable in Borussia Dortmund’s build-up play. With the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins on June 11, in mind, Kovac does not want to take any risks. “Of course the World Cup is a goal, but we still have to be careful not to want too much too soon,” the head coach explained, justifying his decision to only field Nmecha when he is truly fit. “A World Cup is important,” says Kovac, “but if you’re not healthy, you’re not helping yourself, not the team, and not the club in the future either.”

The goal in the Bundesliga now is runners-up spot, the Berlin-born coach added. If the Black and Yellows defend second place, it could well be “that I won’t play him at all anymore,” the 54-year-old announced, because: “We don’t want to take any risks.”

Photo: Getty Images

Samuele Inácio (18) and Mathis Albert (16) recently both took their chance. “It’s never about young or old, it’s always about good or less good,” Kovac said, giving both hope of more playing time. “Their development has shown us that they give absolutely everything in training, have a lot of quality, and are also accepted by the boys.”

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