Two key defenders missing for Sahin: Dortmund predicted lineup vs. Barcelona
Two key defenders missing for Sahin: Dortmund predicted lineup vs. Barcelona
Borussia Dortmund manager Nuri Sahin is facing problems in central defence ahead of the visit of in the Champions League on Wednesday.
Niklas Sule hobbled off with an injury to his right ankle in the 1-1 draw with Borussia Monchengladbach, just two games after returning from a month-long absence.
With Waldemar Anton also sidelined due to a muscular problem, that leaves Sahin short on numbers at centre-back, meaning the returning Emre Can could be thrust into the starting XI.
Can has been serving a domestic suspension, but has found himself out of the team recently, being an unused substitute away to Dinamo Zagreb on matchday five, but his versatility could come in useful here, and he should partner Nico Schlotterbeck.
Maximilian Beier is another casualty from the weekend's fixture, and will be a big miss, now being set to miss the remaining fixtures in 2024, having started the last eight for the Yellow-Blacks.
Some positive news is that important duo Julian Brandt and Karim Adeyemi are in contention to feature after recent setbacks, but will undergo fitness tests ahead of this one to see whether they can be used from the start.
Should neither be deemed fit enough, then Donyell Malen is the standout contender to replace the injured Beier in attack, and it was his goal that saw them take all three points against Sturm Graz in their last home Champions League outing.
Jamie Gittens is the in-form man in the squad though, as the English winger has now scored in four consecutive games for the first time in his career.
A wonderful solo goal against Bayern Munich was ultimately not enough for the three points, and the same rang true at the weekend, as his opener against Gladbach was swiftly cancelled out by an equaliser.
Borussia Dortmund possible starting lineup:
Kobel; Ryerson, Can, Schlotterbeck, Bensebaini; Sabitzer, Nmecha, Gross; Malen, Guirassy, Gittens
Click here to see how Barcelona could line up for this Champions League encounter.