With Şahin Out For Next Few Games, Who Replaces Him In The Midfield?

MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY – APRIL 22: Nuri Sahin of Dortmund lies injured during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund at Borussia-Park on April 22, 2017 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

Earlier today, Borussia Dortmund confirmed that veteran midfielder Nuri Şahin has a partial tear in his ankle and will miss the next the next few matches.

Dortmund is optimistic though that Şahin can return before the end of the Bundesliga season, but will not attempt to rush the recovery process. With Şahin out for at least the near future, Dortmund needs to find a replacement in the midfield.

With rivals Bayern Munich as their next opponents, Dortmund needs to find a replacement quick. If they don’t, an exit out of the DFB-Pokal Cup semi-finals would be another hit to a season full of shortcomings.

The Options:

MUNICH, GERMANY – APRIL 08: Sebastian Rode of Borussia Dortmund in action during the Bundesliga match between Bayern Muenchen and Borussia Dortmund at the Allianz Arena on April 08, 2017 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexandre Simoes/Borussia Dortmund/Getty Images) /

1. Sebastian Rode

As the defensive minded option, Rode with stay home in the middle of the park to protect Dortmund’s back three. Rode’s presence would result in less of an attacking threat going forward. But, it might not be a bad idea for Dortmund, who have conceded five goals in their last two matches, to be more defensive minded.

MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY – APRIL 22: Lars Stindl of Moenchengladbach (L) and Mikel Merino Zazon of Dortmund battle for the ball during the Bundesliga match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund at Borussia-Park on April 22, 2017 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by Maja Hitij/Bongarts/Getty Images) /

2. Mikel Merino

After coming on as a substitute in place of Şahin in Saturday’s match against rivals Borussia Mönchengladbach, Merino didn’t perform all that well. Merino was responsible for Mönchengladbach’s first goal, as his bad pass sparked the goal. Granted, Merino has lacked playing time this season and came in on short notice on Saturday. A better performance is expected from the youngster, but is he the best option? In Tuchel’s eyes, maybe.

MONACO, MONACO – APRIL 19: Julian Weigl of Dortmund controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg match between AS Monaco and Borussia Dortmund of Dortmund at Stade Louis II on April 19, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

3. Julian Weigl

Over the past few matches, the young Dortmund midfielder has not been fully fit. However, with Şahin out, Weigl may need to get back in the thick of things despite not being fit. As a box-to-box midfielder, Weigl would be a great replacement. But, is Weigl 100%? That remains the concern.

MONACO, MONACO – APRIL 19: Shinji Kagawa of Dortmund controls the ball during the UEFA Champions League quarter final second leg match between AS Monaco and Borussia Dortmund of Dortmund at Stade Louis II on April 19, 2017 in Monaco, Monaco. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images) /

4. Shinji Kagawa

In the most attacking option for Dortmund, Kagawa would provide an attacking option in the center of the midfield. As all Dortmund fans know, Tuchel loves having the best attack going forward. With Kagawa, Dortmund would have that option. As a veteran, Kagawa would fit well within the team and has been an integral part of the Starting XI already so far this season.

Home/Borussia Dortmund News