Borussia Dortmund may prevent players from going on international duty – Sebastian Kehl

Sebastian Kehl has said that Borussia Dortmund reserve the right to prevent some players from going on international duty, depending on the COVID-19 situation in certain countries. The final international break is set to begin next week, with countries set to take part in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The U-21 European Championship is also due to get underway in Hungary and Slovenia.

"“We follow and discuss the situation every day,” Kehl told Kicker. “After all, the situation is constantly changing. Many federations have already deliberately decided on new venues to avoid a subsequent quarantine for the players. However, we will reserve the right in individual cases to not release players if it comes at a disadvantage for us.”"

With COVID-19 cases on the rise once again in certain countries, it is possible that players traveling to those countries will be forced to quarantine after returning to their clubs from international duty. That would force them to miss matches for their respective clubs. And with so much to play for as we head into the business end of the season, it is easy to see why teams would want to prevent players from going on international duty.

Borussia Dortmund have more national team players than most other teams in the Bundesliga. And with the team still competing in three competitions, they will want to take every step possible to ensure that players aren’t forced to miss any games.

Borussia Dortmund received a scare during the international break in November as well, when the Norwegian government said that Erling Haaland and the rest of the Norway squad would have to quarantine upon their return to their respective clubs. Ultimately, the striker received the all clear to play without having to quarantine.

Reinier Jesus tested positive for COVID-19 soon after returning from international duty in November, and Manuel Akanji also returned a positive test while on international duty with Switzerland camp in October.