Soumaila Coulibaly could be in line for his Borussia Dortmund first-team debut on Sunday

Sebastian Kehl has hinted that highly rated centre-back Soumaila Coulibaly could make his first-team debut on Sunday as Borussia Dortmund take on Arminia Bielefeld in the Bundesliga.

Borussia Dortmund are facing a bit of a personnel crisis in defence at the moment. Mats Hummels has Covid-19, Dan-Axel Zagadou is injured and Manuel Akanji is on his way back from an injury, leaving Marin Pongracic as the only natural centre-back in the first-team.

The lack of available centre-backs in the first-team squad could result in a first-team debut for Soumaila Coulibaly, who has been making waves for the U-19s and the U-23s in recent weeks. The 18 year old defender joined Borussia Dortmund in the summer from Paris St. Germain, and has been putting in solid performances for the youth teams since recovering from his serious knee injury.

Coulibaly was on the bench during Borussia Dortmund’s 1-1 draw against FC Augsburg two weeks ago. And he could be in line for his first-team debut this weekend as Marco Rose’s side go up against Arminia Bielefeld.

"In an interview with BILD, Sebastian Kehl confirmed that Coulibaly could be an option for Sunday’s game at the Signal Iduna Park. “Soumi has developed brilliantly following his serious injury. He has been very solid and has been performing well for the U23s lately. Of course he’s an option for the Bielefeld game.”"

In addition to Coulibaly and Pongracic, Borussia Dortmund also have Emre Can and Axel Witsel who can play at centre-back. While Akanji is closing in on his return and could be fit in time for Sunday’s game. Lennard Maloney is also training with the first-team and could make the bench against Arminia Bielefeld.

Coulibaly is rated very highly at Borussia Dortmund, and he is expected to be a regular part of the first-team squad starting from next season. If he gets his chance to make his professional debut on Sunday, it will no doubt be a special occasion for him.