Kovac guarantees Schlotterbeck a start, Silva set for debut | OneFootball

Will Fábio Silva make his debut for Borussia Dortmund? The 23-year-old Portuguese joined BVB at the end of August. So far, the striker has not played due to a groin injury. However, that could change on Saturday (September 27, 3:30 p.m.) against 1. FSV Mainz 05.

Silva has “done more this week,” revealed Niko Kovač (53) on Thursday at the press conference ahead of the match against Mainz. The new signing from Wolverhampton Wanderers is “a technically skilled and confident striker on the ball” who “gives us a certain dynamism and is fast.” “That’s the mix we want. I hope the boy can finally show his abilities here,” the coach is looking forward to the national player’s debut.

Niklas Süle (30) shares a similar fate. After a muscle injury, the central defender is also waiting for his first appearance this season. “We’ll see to what extent they can be an option for the squad,” said the BVB coach, cautiously optimistic about both players.

However, long-term absentees Julian Duranville (19), who is working hard in rehab for his comeback, and Emre Can (31) are not options for the match against the Rheinhessen. The captain is “still not training with the team,” said Kovač, emphasizing the importance of the defensive all-rounder: “We’re all annoyed that Emre isn’t available.” Along with Julian Brandt (29) and Nico Schlotterbeck (25), Can is one of the people with whom he “discusses things.”

Where is Anselmino?

After his strong debut against 1. FC Union Berlin (3:0), Aarón Anselmino (20) is missing from the squad. The Chelsea loanee is apparently struggling with muscular problems and is “in partial integration,” as the Dortmund head coach reports.

On the other hand, the long-missed Schlotterbeck has returned to the pitch. In the 1:0 win over VfL Wolfsburg last Sunday, he marshaled the defense as if he had never been away. However, Kovač raises a warning finger. “We have to be careful,” says the Berlin native. “The first game is the easiest, you’re full of adrenaline. The difficulty comes afterwards.”

Schlotterbeck is still guaranteed to play: “He will definitely start, that’s clear,” Kovač confirms, but adds, “If the situation allows and we can afford it, I will make substitutions.” Against the Lower Saxony side, the returning player played the full 90 minutes right away.

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