Michael Zorc backs Jude Bellingham to shine in Axel Witsel’s absence

With Axel Witsel facing a long spell on the sidelines, Jude Bellingham could be set for an even bigger role in the starting XI in the coming weeks. The 17 year old showed that he is capable of filling in for the influential Witsel on Saturday, when he was Borussia Dortmund’s best performer in the 1-1 draw against Mainz.

And Michael Zorc has backed Bellingham to shine in the coming weeks, with the Black and Yellows facing a tough run of fixtures in all three competitions. Speaking to Ruhr Nachrichten, the Borussia Dortmund sporting director said:

"“I believe that we will see him perform even more consistently at a high level in the coming weeks. Everyone could see his talent (in the game against Mainz).”"

Bellingham has made a total of 21 appearances across all competitions for Borussia Dortmund so far this season, scoring one goal and providing two assists. But those figures don’t even begin to show the impact the young midfielder has had since his summer move from Birmingham City. He has shown great maturity and composure in his performances, proving to be an instant success for Der BVB.

Could Mahmoud Dahoud be set for a return to the Borussia Dortmund squad?

While Jude Bellingham has become an important player for Borussia Dortmund this season, the same cannot be said about Mahmoud Dahoud at the moment. The German international has only made eight appearances so far this season, and hasn’t featured since Edin Terzic took over last month.

Dahoud has failed to make the Borussia Dortmund squad in each of the last two games. But Edin Terzic hinted during his pre-match press conference that the midfielder could return to the squad against Bayer Leverkusen.

"“Mo is part of the team. Of course we are considering him. A few days ago we had a slightly different situation. We had a lot of options in that position. I have to make tough decisions, this was one of those tough decisions. Mo is training well, stepping on the gas in training.”"

Borussia Dortmund take on Bayer Leverkusen on Tuesday in their final game of the first half of the season, and a win could see them move up to third place in the Bundesliga table.