BVB given hope: trio return for Mainz clash | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund can breathe a sigh of relief regarding personnel ahead of the home game against Mainz. Three important options return to the squad.

Before the home game on Friday evening (8:30 p.m.) against 1. FSV Mainz 05, Borussia Dortmund can relax in terms of personnel. Coach Niko Kovac once again has more options available: Karim Adeyemi, Marcel Sabitzer, and Yan Couto are back in the squad after overcoming injuries or illness.

According to reports from Ruhr Nachrichten, the trio traveled with the team to the hotel on Friday afternoon. Adeyemi had to sit out at short notice during the recent 2-1 win against Wolfsburg due to ankle problems. Sabitzer missed several weeks with persistent calf issues, while Couto was sidelined due to illness. However, it remains open whether all three will immediately receive significant playing time.

After nearly a four-week break, Sabitzer is likely to start on the bench. The Austrian has only recently become fully fit again. In central midfield, Kovac is expected to continue relying on Felix Nmecha and Jobe Bellingham to avoid taking any risks. Earlier in the week, the Dortmund coach had already hinted that Sabitzer would be an option again after partially rejoining team training.

BVB captain Can still injured

Couto is also likely to be used as a substitute at first. The Brazilian was still working individually in the fitness area during the week and is therefore behind in training. As a result, Julian Ryerson could once again start at right-back.

In addition to the returning players, young talents Luca Reggiani, Mathis Albert, and Samuele Inácio are once again included in the extended squad. Reggiani recently made his Bundesliga debut—and could play an even bigger role given the tense personnel situation in defense. Kovac emphasized on Thursday that he has "no hesitation" in "using him." According to media reports, the 18-year-old was at times part of the first team during the final training session.

Despite the positive news, the defensive concerns are not completely resolved. Emre Can and Filippo Mané remain sidelined with injuries. In addition, Nico Schlotterbeck is suspended after receiving his fifth yellow card. There is also a small question mark over Ramy Bensebaini, who was only able to participate in the final training session in a limited capacity. In any case, one professional will still have to be dropped from the squad for matchday.

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