Borussia Dortmund team news: Erling Haaland will get a break ‘as late as possible,’ Raphael Guerreiro a doubt against FC Köln

Borussia Dortmund could be without Raphael Guerreiro for Saturday’s game against FC Köln, while Dan-Axel Zagadou is still a few days away from being ready.

Speaking during his pre-match conference ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s Bundesliga clash against FC Köln, head coach Lucien Favre once again spoke about the importance of rotation and confirmed that he will look to rest a few key players on Saturday. One player who will almost certainly start though, is Erling Haaland. The 20 year old has scored six goals in his last two games, and Favre will look to keep him in the team till ‘as late as possible.’

"“With a good rest, Erling will certainly be ready to play against Köln. I want to give him a break as late as possible. It is important for us to have as few injuries as possible. Rotation is very important. So far it is working very well. We will continue to do it this way.”"

Sporting director Michael Zorc hailed the greed and determination Borussia Dortmund have shown in recent games, citing the free-scoring Erling Haaland as the prime example of it.

"“You don’t have to keep Erling grounded,” Zorc said. “He exudes such a positive dynamic. Why should you try to put the breaks on now? He’s a player who leads the way, and that is very good for us. I don’t believe in trying to slow down positive developments.”“I have a feeling that we have a better overall balance in the team and that we have developed well. The greed is there, the focus is there in the squad.”"

While Haaland is set to start for Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, Raphael Guerreiro is a doubt after picking up a minor knock. Lucien Favre also said that the game will come too soon for Dan-Axel Zagadou. Though the Swiss tactician did hint that the centre-back could be ready to make his return to the squad next week.

"“Zagadou is training with the team. But the game is still too early for him. He won’t be ready for a few more days, maybe next week. Guerreiro felt something in the back of his thigh. We’ll see today if he plays on Saturday.”"

Borussia Dortmund will go up against FC Köln on Saturday, who are currently without a win since the start of the season. But Lucien Favre praised the Billy Goats’ defensive structure ahead of the game, and said that the Black and Yellows cannot afford to take them lightly.

Borussia Dortmund still have eight games to go before Christmas, with five coming in the Bundesliga, two in the UEFA Champions League and one in the DFB Pokal.