Before Bergamo showdown: BVB pin hopes on Schlotterbeck and Can | OneFootball

Before the departure to Bergamo, there's movement in BVB's defense. Two key players are back in training, but not all personnel issues are resolved yet.

Borussia Dortmund can cautiously hope for some relief in their defensive lineup before the crucial Champions League return match at Atalanta Bergamo. Just before the decisive matches in Europe and the Bundesliga, Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can, two key players who were recently injured, have at least partially returned to team training.

Both central defenders were back on the field during the final training session on Tuesday. This raises hope that they could at least be part of the squad for the play-off return match on Wednesday evening (6:45 PM, DAZN). However, a final decision on their availability is still pending. As the club announced, it will be decided "at short notice" whether captain Can and vice-captain Schlotterbeck will actually be available.

Schlotterbeck's return, in particular, would be of great importance for Dortmund's defense. The national player had recently missed games due to muscular problems and was absent from both the first leg against Bergamo and the Bundesliga match against Leipzig. Sporting director Sebastian Kehl had recently assessed the situation cautiously, stating: "We have to wait and see, it's going to be tight."

BVB still anxious: Return of Can and Schlotterbeck uncertain

Alongside Schlotterbeck, Can also reported back after overcoming adductor problems. Both could travel to northern Italy, even if a starting lineup appearance is still questionable. Their return would come at an important time for BVB, as coach Niko Kovac was recently forced to restructure his defense. Due to further absences, including Niklas Süle, even the inexperienced young player Luca Reggiani had to step in to help in central defense.

Photo: IMAGO

Süle, on the other hand, will continue to be unavailable for the game in Bergamo. The central defender also missed the final training session and is sidelined with muscular problems for the time being. Thus, the personnel situation in defense remains tense despite the possible return of Schlotterbeck and Can.

Looking ahead to the Bundesliga top match against FC Bayern Munich next Saturday, the potential comebacks of Schlotterbeck and Can could also be crucial. A weekend appearance is considered realistic, even if it might not be enough for Bergamo.

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