Borussia Dortmund have been dealt a blow in their preparation for Sunday’s Bundesliga game against Bochum. Both Gregor Kobel and Julian Brandt have been unable to train in the recent days due to illness.
“We will monitor how it develops,” said Edin Terzić. “But there is a question mark over them for the weekend.”
Brandt has been one of Dortmund’s key influential players in the final third this season, with six goals and eight assists across 18 Bundesliga games, averaging a goal contribution every 96 minutes. The German’s absence would be a blow to Dortmund’s creativity, but it could also pave a way for Marco Reus to start alongside Jadon Sancho and Donyell Malen.
There is some good news, though. Niklas Süle, who was substituted in BVB’s 4-0 win against FC Köln last weekend with a back injury, returned to training and hasn’t complained of any pain. Mats Hummels, who is yet to play this season, has also returned to team training, while Emre Can is also expected to partake in Dortmund’s final session on Saturday, before Terzić makes a decision on whether BVB’s captain will play on Sunday.
Edin Terzić provides positive for Borussia Dortmund’s long-term absentees
Long-term absentees Karim Adeyemi and Julian Ryerson should also return soon.
“They’ve already been able to work very intensively on the pitch. We’re expecting that they will be able to return to team training next week,” said Terzić, who had positive news regarding Felix Nmecha: “It is difficult to find a prognosis for the length of his absence. But he’s on a good path.”
Borussia Dortmund host Bochum in the “little Revierderby” on Sunday, with Die Schwarzgelben currently fifth, and 15 points behind leaders Bayer Leverkusen.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder
