Sebastian Kehl backs Roman Bürki to step up in Marwin Hitz’ absence

Borussia Dortmund will have to make do without first-choice goalkeeper Marwin Hitz for the final three games of the season. And Sebastian Kehl has backed Roman Bürki to a good job in his absence.

"“We have a top goalkeeper in him, no question, and he wants to win this cup with the team at all costs,” Kehl told Sport1."

Borussia Dortmund received another big blow on Saturday, as Marwin Hitz was forced off with a knee injury following a collision with Manuel Akanji. It has now been revealed that the 33 year old will miss the remaining three games of the season.

Roman Bürki came on for Hitz at half time against RB Leipzig on Saturday to make his 21st appearance of the season (and his first since late January). After a string of inconsistent performances, Bürki was replaced by Hitz as the first-choice goalkeeper earlier this season. But Kehl believes that the 30 year old has dealt with the situation in a very professional manner.

"“It has certainly not been an easy phase for Roman,” Kehl said. “But he is a top sportsman who has handled the situation very professionally, trained at the top of his game all week and was also on hand immediately against Leipzig.”"

Bürki has been heavily linked with a move away from Borussia Dortmund in recent weeks, with reports claiming that he could be sold for as low as five million euros this summer. The BVB bosses are said to be looking for a new first-choice goalkeeper, with VfB Stuttgart’s Gregor Kobel the current preferred candidate.

Bürki’s next start will come on Thursday as Borussia Dortmund go up against RB Leipzig in the final of the DFB-Pokal. The Black and Yellows also have two games left in the Bundesliga this season, against Mainz 05 and Bayer Leverkusen. And Bürki will be looking to use the next three games to show just how good he can be.