Edin Terzic: Erling Haaland on track for Borussia Dortmund return in January

Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland is back in training and on track for a return to action in January, head coach Edin Terzic has confirmed.

Erling Haaland suffered a torn muscle fibre in his thigh during training ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League clash against Lazio earlier this month. He has been out of action since, but Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic gave an update on his status ahead of Tuesday’s DFB Pokal clash against Eintracht Braunschweig.

"“I saw Erling briefly today,” Terzic said. “We are happy to have him back. He’s completely on target and we expect him to be back right at the beginning of January.”"

Haaland spent a week doing his rehabilitation work at the Aspetar Training Centre in Qatar, but is now back in Dortmund.

The 20 year old’s return comes at a vital time for Borussia Dortmund, who have key fixtures coming up in January against Wolfsburg, RB Leipzig, Bayer Leverkusen and Borussia Mönchengladbach.

The Black and Yellows have struggled to score goals in the absence of Haaland. They have slipped to fifth place in the Bundesliga standings, with only two wins in six games since his injury.

Youssoufa Moukoko has started the last two games in Haaland’s absence, and he scored his first senior goal for Borussia Dortmund against Union Berlin on Friday. Edin Terzic was also asked about the prospect of Haaland and Moukoko playing together.

"“We will use our weapons in the best possible way. If we ever feel that the two of them together on the pitch is the solution, then why not?”"

Terzic also spoke about the form of Jadon Sancho, who has struggled to live up to the lofty standards he set for himself last season.

"“I try to give every player the best support. The commitment with Jadon is not lacking. What’s missing is his natural ease and that magic we’re so used to. That’s where we’ll give him the best possible support, so that he can get it back.”"

Borussia Dortmund take on Eintracht Braunschweig in their final game of 2020 on Tuesday. They will then have a ten day winter break, before returning to action against Wolfsburg on January 03.