Borussia Dortmund are facing a challenging start to their Champions League campaign, with several key players sidelined due to injury and suspension ahead of their opener against Villarreal.
The German giants will host the Spanish side on Tuesday night, but manager Edin Terzić will have to contend with a depleted squad, especially in central defence.
Injury Woes Mount
Concerns emerged after Monday’s training session, where Daniel Svensson and Konstantinos Karetsas were absent. However, their absence is reportedly for workload management, suggesting they might still be available for the crucial European fixture.
More pressing issues lie elsewhere. Young defender Filippo Mané picked up a thigh injury during Saturday’s 3-2 victory over TSG Hoffenheim, ruling him out. Adding to the defensive headache, Ramy Bensebaini is unavailable due to both injury and a suspension.
Long-term absentees Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can also remain sidelined, further limiting Dortmund’s options at the back. Their continued absence means the club’s experienced defensive core is significantly weakened.
Defensive Solutions
With a number of central defenders unavailable, Borussia Dortmund may need to get creative with their line-up. Daniel Svensson, if deemed fit after his workload management, or Julian Ryerson, typically a wing-back, could be deployed in central defence to fill the void.
Another potential option is 18-year-old Luca Reggiani, who could be called upon to step into the senior squad for the high-stakes Champions League encounter. The situation presents a significant test for Dortmund’s squad depth as they aim to start their European journey positively against Villarreal.