Without Salih Özcan and Gregor Kobel, Borussia Dortmund started their preparation for the away match against 1. FC Köln on Tuesday. The duo was absent from the morning training session. Coach Edin Terzic was pleased to welcome back two other players instead.
Even though numerous nations have already played their two September internationals, BVB coach Edin Terzic only had 13 players available for training on Tuesday morning. The good news is that Raphael Guerreiro (muscular problems) and Julian Brandt (flu), two professionals who had to take a break recently, were also on the pitch. Their participation in the upcoming away match against 1. FC Köln (Saturday, 3.30 p.m.) should therefore be assured.
However, regular keeper Gregor Kobel (torn muscle fibre) and Salih Özcan, both of whom have not yet been able to take part in training, will be in a tight spot. An absence on Saturday would be particularly bitter for Özcan, who played for 1. FC Köln until the summer. The six-pointer had cancelled his international trip with Turkey last week because of renewed problems with his foot. It is not yet clear when he will be able to return to training. Kobel is scheduled to return in the course of this week.
Full hospital at BVB
BVB’s personnel cover is currently tight anyway: In addition to the long-term absentees Sebastien Haller (tumour illness), Mahmoud Dahoud, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens (both shoulder surgery) and Mateo Morey (meniscus injury), captain Marco Reus (ankle ligament injury) will also be missing in Cologne. Youssoufa Moukoko (twisted neck) also returned to Dortmund early from the U 21s. Thorgan Hazard, who recently had to sit out due to muscular problems, was with the Belgian national team but did not make an appearance.
