Borussia Dortmund vs Ajax: Talking points ahead of crucial Champions League tie

How will Borussia Dortmund replace Erling Haaland?

Borussia Dortmund have just about managed to get the job done in the three games since Erling Haaland suffered a hip flexor injury. But beating an in-form Ajax team without the Norwegian international in the team will be a difficult task. And Marco Rose faces a tough decision on how to replace the irreplaceable striker.

Thorgan Hazard and Marco Reus started up front in the win over FC Köln on Saturday. The Belgian international is in fine form going into the game, having scored three goals in the last two games. And he could be in contention to start up front once again on Wednesday.

The more likelier option is that Donyell Malen will return to the starting XI and lead the line against the team he started his career with. Malen has endured a difficult start to his Borussia Dortmund career, and has only scored one goal so far. But a good performance against Ajax would go a long way in helping him find his footing as a BVB player.

Another option could be to go with Steffen Tigges up front. The 23 year old is not as technically strong as some of the other forwards in the Borussia Dortmund squad. But he works hard for the team, is a big threat in the air, and is full of confidence after scoring his first senior goal at the weekend.