Kovac lays it on the line: Schlotterbeck misses Heidenheim trip | OneFootball

He is sorely missed. Since April 2025, Nico Schlotterbeck has been out due to a meniscus injury. The 25-year-old central defender from Borussia Dortmund was one of the constants in the defense last season. However, his return is still awaited.

Although Schlotterbeck is already participating in parts of team training again, "He is not ready for a competitive match yet," confirmed Niko Kovač (53) on Thursday at the press conference before the duel with 1. FC Heidenheim (September 13, 3:30 PM). When the native of Waiblingen returns to the field, he should be "100 percent ready for action," demands the BVB coach.

Also still unavailable are the long-term injured Niklas Süle (30), Emre Can (31), and Julian Duranville (19). Whether it will be enough for Julian Brandt (29), who underwent surgery on his scaphoid bone during the international break, is uncertain, says Kovač. With the midfielder, "we have to see," explains the German-Croatian.

No Consideration for Ramaj

Diant Ramaj will almost certainly be on the field on Saturday. The 23-year-old goalkeeper is on loan from Borussia Dortmund to 1. FC Heidenheim until the end of the season. No consideration will be given, Kovač announces. "Diant Ramaj wants to deliver a good performance in Heidenheim this season," the football coach comments on the personnel, emphasizing at the same time, "But we want to shape the game in such a way that we win the match."

The FCH has started the season with two defeats. After barely surviving relegation, the Swabians are already back at the bottom of the table. But Kovač issues a warning. "They are an opponent that will challenge us, especially physically," he praises the Swabians. The 53-year-old knows that his team goes into the match as favorites. "Our team has matured, has understood what we want," he affirms and sets the direction: "We have ambitions, we want to establish ourselves at the top."

Kovač is glad that the personnel situation has not worsened after the international matches. "All the guys returned healthy from the national team," says the BVB coach. He is particularly pleased that Maximilian Beier (22) "was able to play after his late nomination." In the 3-1 victory in the World Cup qualification against Northern Ireland, the Dortmund striker was on the field for almost half an hour. "That should give him a boost," hopes Kovač.

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