BVB's Schlotterbeck set for Champions League clash? Clear signs | OneFootball

Nico Schlotterbeck reports back just in time before the duel with Manchester City. Will it be enough for the BVB defensive leader to make an appearance in the Champions League?

Borussia Dortmund can apparently breathe a sigh of relief ahead of the Champions League clash at Manchester City: Nico Schlotterbeck is on the verge of returning to the squad. According to Ruhr Nachrichten, the 25-year-old rejoined team training on Monday after recently sitting out due to a flu infection. This raises hopes that the defensive chief will be available for the match on Wednesday evening (9 p.m.) at the Etihad Stadium.

Schlotterbeck was still missing during the nervy 1-0 win over FC Augsburg. “He was laid up today and not available,” explained coach Niko Kovac after the match on Sky. Without him, BVB fielded an improvised back three of Aaron Anselmino, Waldemar Anton, and Ramy Bensebaini—and still managed to keep a clean sheet.

Now, Schlotterbeck could return just in time for the duel with the English champions. According to Bild, BVB bosses expect the national player to be fit for action, but a final decision will likely only be made on site in Manchester. Within the club, according to the Ruhr Nachrichten, there is a “positive mood” regarding his availability.

BVB ahead of top match in Manchester: Positive signs for Schlotterbeck and Süle

Niklas Süle also worked on his comeback on Monday. The 30-year-old suffered a knock to his foot in the DFB Cup match against Eintracht Frankfurt (4-2) and therefore also missed the Augsburg game. At the start of the week, Süle completed an individual program. According to information from the Ruhr Nachrichten, BVB is optimistic that he will travel to England. Bild reports that he will definitely make the trip to England. Whether he will be fit enough to play, however, remains open.

In Dortmund, there is a strong desire to see the central defender duo back on the pitch together—Schlotterbeck and Süle have recently impressed as a well-rehearsed partnership in defense. The final decision on their availability will likely be made only after the last training sessions in Manchester.

One thing is clear: the trend for Nico Schlotterbeck is clearly upward. If he gets through the final tests without a setback, he is expected to be in the starting lineup against Manchester City on Wednesday evening—a crucial support for the Black and Yellows in the battle for points in the Champions League.

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