Chance for Niklas Süle? BVB boss Kovač ahead of Borussia showdown | OneFootball

Niko Kovač (54) is running out of players. The defense practically picks itself ahead of the duel with their namesakes from Mönchengladbach (December 19, 8:30 p.m.).

“Ramy Bensebaini (30) is at the Africa Cup. Waldemar Anton (29) and Aarón Anselmino (20) will also be missing tomorrow,” the BVB coach listed at Thursday’s press conference before the Gladbach match. “With these three absences, we only have three or four central defenders left.” In addition, Jobe Bellingham (20) will have to sit out after his red card from the Freiburg match (1:1).

As alternatives for central defense, Filippo Mane (20) and Niklas Süle (30) are available. The use of the experienced Süle, in particular, will be watched closely, as media reports suggest that Borussia Dortmund is not planning with the Frankfurt native for next season.

“Filippo is an option for tomorrow,” Kovač emphasized. However, the youngster is “more likely an option from the bench.” Süle, on the other hand, has better chances and could use the Gladbach match to advertise himself a bit. “Süle took a long time with his injury, but he’s training hard again and is just as much an option for tomorrow as Filippo,” said the BVB coach, who did not want to commit himself definitively yet.

“Magic and Energy”

Kovač has more of a luxury problem when it comes to filling the midfield. Despite Bellingham’s absence, he still has several options. Marcel Sabitzer (31), Julian Brandt (29), and Salih Özcan (27) are “back and able to participate in training” after their injuries. How much longer Özcan will wear the black and yellow jersey is completely open. According to media reports, Galatasaray Istanbul is seriously interested in signing the Turkish international. However, any possible transfer fee is likely to not be too high.

Compared to last season, the Black and Yellows have seven more points to their name and are five places higher in the table. “As a team, we’ve made good progress and are in a better position than last year,” the coach said happily. Against the “Fohlenelf,” Kovač is counting on the support of the fans: “We need the stadium – it has magic and energy. We often need that spark from the stands – it helps us decide the games in our favor.”

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