BVB fears for the deployment of Schlotterbeck
Borussia Dortmund are facing major personnel problems in defense for their Champions League clash with AC Milan on Tuesday (9:00 pm/Prime Video). Following the absence of international Niklas Süle, Nico Schlotterbeck is also doubtful. Like Süle, the 23-year-old central defender, who had also traveled to Italy, complained of cold symptoms and therefore did not take part in the final training session at the San Siro stadium the evening before the match. "He has a bit of a cold. But the clear plan is for him to come into training tomorrow at 11 a.m. and be ready for action," said coach Edin Terzic.
Terzic will decide at short notice whether he will be able to play. Unlike Schlotterbeck, Süle stayed at home in Dortmund. Emre Can could be a possible alternative. "Emre Can is a very experienced player who has often played in central defense," said Terzic.
In the previous Bundesliga match against Mönchengladbach (4:2), two other professionals, Karim Adeyemi and Sebastien Haller, had already been ruled out with colds. Both attackers are back in the squad for Milan, but are unlikely to be in the starting eleven.
Despite the personnel worries, BVB are confident going into the match. After all, Terzic's team are top of the table in Hammer Group F ahead of the penultimate matchday. A win at third-placed Milan, who are two points off the pace, would seal their place in the knockout rounds ahead of time. "We have the best starting position," said Terzic, but will go into the game with great respect: "We won't be allowed to make many mistakes against such opponents, so we will prepare for that. Milan have an outstandingly good team. We have to be very alert, especially in the starting phase."
Borussia Dortmund's defence could be further depleted if Nico Schlotterbeck also misses the Champions League clash against AC Milan due to his cold symptoms. Despite these challenges, Dortmund remains top of their group and a victory against Milan would secure their spot in the knockout stages early.
Source: www.dpa.com
