Gregor Kobel likely to miss Chelsea clash

Borussia Dortmund will likely have to make do without Gregor Kobel for the second leg of their UEFA Champions League tie against Chelsea.

Borussia Dortmund received a big scare on Friday evening as Gregor Kobel picked up a thigh injury while warming up for the game against RB Leipzig. The Swiss shot-stopper was forced to drop out of the starting XI at the last moment as a result.

And now Ruhr Nachrichten and Sky Sport are both claiming that the chances of Kobel making the trip to London to face Chelsea on Tuesday evening are very slim.

Gregor Kobel’s absence would be a big blow to Borussia Dortmund’s hopes of qualifying for the quarterfinals of the UEFA Champions League. The 25 year old has established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Bundesliga this season. He also played a crucial role in BVB’s win in the first leg of their round of 16 tie against Chelsea.

Alexander Meyer was asked to fill in for Kobel on Friday, and he made a number of crucial saves to help his side earn a 2-1 win. The 31 year old will start between the sticks on Tuesday as well, unless Kobel can make a miraculous recovery from his injury.

Meyer has made nine appearances for Borussia Dortmund since joining the club from SSV Jahn Regensburg in the summer. Four of those appearances have come in the UEFA Champions League. He delivered what was undoubtedly his best performance in a BVB shirt so far in the group stage clash against Sevilla in October.