Nico Schlotterbeck's injury is not as serious as expected. Nevertheless, BVB's challenges remain.
Dortmund – The greatest concern has subsided. Nico Schlotterbeck will not be available to Borussia Dortmund for the time being, but it is apparently not a permanent injury.
Schlotterbeck injury more harmless than feared
BVB explained in a statement on Thursday that it was uncertain whether Schlotterbeck would be involved in the final games of the year against TSG Hoffenheim (Sunday, 5:30 p.m.) and VfL Wolfsburg (December 22, 5:30 p.m.). On the other hand, Nuri Şahin showed relief at the press conference on Friday afternoon when he was asked about the health of his central defender.
“The diagnosis is positive if you can judge it that way.” “What we feared didn’t happen,” explained the 36-year-old. This means that Schlotterbeck's exact downtime remains unclear, but Şahin gave a small hint: “We'll wait and see how it develops and whether it's enough – which of course will be very difficult.”
The coach's statements indicate that Schlotterbeck will probably be out until 2025. Niklas Süle (syndesmosis injury) and Waldemar Anton (torn hamstring) are also unavailable for action, which forces Şahin to come up with creative solutions against Hoffenheim and Wolfsburg.
Şahin gives advice: No winter transfer for BVB?
As the coach has suggested, Ramy Bensebaini could play alongside Emre Can in central defense against Hoffenheim. The Algerian is “certainly an option”.
If Julian Ryerson is unavailable due to circulatory problems, Yan Couto could be considered as a left-back and Pascal Groß as a right-back. Alternatively, young talent Almugera Kabar can play on the left side, which would leave Couto at right-back.
Despite the injury concerns, the BVB bosses seem to be reassured by the diverse staff. In this respect too, Schlotterbeck's diagnosis gave the all-clear. “After the Wolfsburg game we will sit down together. “If Nico Schlotterbeck had been out for the long term, we would certainly have had to react in the winter,” said Şahin.
Now it remains to be seen whether BVB will upgrade – or whether Dortmund will stay true to their line and rely on a narrow squad.
