Last-minute absence for Bayern clash: BVB squad for the Klassiker | OneFootball

Before the Bundesliga classic against Bayern, Borussia Dortmund has to cope with a surprising absence. At the same time, there is also positive personnel news for BVB coach Niko Kovac.

Borussia Dortmund will have to do without Carney Chukwuemeka at short notice in the Bundesliga top match against FC Bayern Munich. As BILD and Ruhr Nachrichten consistently report, the 22-year-old Englishman is out due to muscular problems. This means coach Niko Kovac loses another option in midfield or attack, even though the youngster was mostly planned as a substitute recently.

While Chukwuemeka was missing from the squad’s departure on Saturday, three talents—Luca Reggiani, Almugera Kabar, and Samuele Inácio—are included in the squad. This means BVB is also relying on young alternatives in the classic. There are positive signals from the defense, however. Nico Schlotterbeck is available again after recovering from injury and is expected to return directly to the starting lineup.

Kovac had already made it clear on Friday: “Schlotti would be ready to play from the start tomorrow.” The central defender had missed the Champions League exit in Bergamo, but now he is fully fit again and is expected to bring stability to the defense. Captain Emre Can is also fit for action. After his comeback during the week, the coach declared him ready: “Emre played again after a long time, coped well. He’s also been in training. He’s ready for action and could play tomorrow.”

BVB in the classic without Chukwuemeka – but with Schlotterbeck

Dortmund will still have to do without Niklas Süle, who is out with a thigh injury. For the former Bayern pro, there will be no reunion on the pitch.

Photo: IMAGO

There is a lot at stake for BVB in sporting terms. After being knocked out of the DFB Cup and the Champions League, the championship is the last realistic chance for a title. The gap to the leaders from Munich is eight points—a win in the direct duel is therefore almost a must to at least make the race exciting again.

The BVB squad at a glance:

Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel, Alexander Meyer

Defense: Nico Schlotterbeck, Waldemar Anton, Emre Can, Luca Reggiani, Daniel Svensson, Ramy Bensebaini, Yan Couto, Almugera Kabar

Midfield: Felix Nmecha, Jobe Bellingham, Marcel Sabitzer, Salih Özcan, Julian Brandt, Samuele Inácio

Attack: Karim Adeyemi, Maximilian Beier, Serhou Guirassy, Fábio Silva

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