Schlotterbeck doubtful for Bayern, Dortmund fear defensive blow | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund is under pressure ahead of the Bundesliga top match against FC Bayern and is now at risk of losing one of its most important players. Nico Schlotterbeck, the defensive leader of the Black and Yellows, is struggling with health issues before the classic match at the Allianz Arena (Saturday, 6:30 PM).

As coach Niko Kovac explained at the matchday press conference, the 25-year-old national player "returned from the national team slightly injured" and only trained individually on Thursday. The reason is a cold that currently sidelines Schlotterbeck.

"He picked up a little something, but we think it will be fine by Saturday," Kovac said, cautiously optimistic. Thus, the central defender's participation is still possible, albeit with a question mark.

BVB facing a tough challenge in Munich

The potential absence of the defensive leader would be a severe setback for BVB. Schlotterbeck has been playing an outstanding season in defense so far, serving as the central anchor and leader in Kovac's back three.

Especially against the in-form Bayern, the DFB national player would be hard to replace. The Munich team, featuring Harry Kane, Luis Díaz, and Michael Olise, currently boasts the most dangerous offense in Europe – 38 goals in just ten competitive matches speak for themselves.

Without Schlotterbeck, Kovac would have to restructure his defense.

Kovac on Bayern rumors about Schlotterbeck: "Irrelevant to me"

Besides the sporting concerns, Kovac also addressed the ongoing transfer rumors surrounding his defensive leader. Recently, Schlotterbeck has been repeatedly linked with FC Bayern – according to BILD and Sky, the German record champion reportedly has the Dortmund player on their list as a potential successor for Dayot Upamecano.

Kovac did not want to comment on these speculations before the top match: "Schlotti is a very important player for us and the national team. I'm not responsible for contract matters. My responsibility is to prepare the team for the next opponent."

Everything else, Kovac said, is up to sporting director Sebastian Kehl: "He will discuss it much better with Schlotti and everyone around him than I can." For the match against FC Bayern, the topic is "completely irrelevant."

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