Sebastian Kehl comments on Gio Reyna’s absence from Borussia Dortmund squad for Union Berlin game

Sebastian Kehl has revealed why Gio Reyna was not included in the Borussia Dortmund squad for their Bundesliga clash against Union Berlin on Saturday.

Borussia Dortmund ended their two-game losing streak and returned to winning ways on Saturday, as they beat Union Berlin 2-1. Gio Reyna was not included in the squad, with his omission coming as a bit of a surprise. And Sebastian Kehl shed some light on the USMNT international’s situation after the game.

“Gio was coming out of a prolonged spell of illness,” Kehl said (via Ruhr Nachrichten). “He was back in the squad on Wednesday. The coach had to make a decision on Friday based on who was fresh and who could help him in what position. Therefore he made this decision. But Gio is an important player and so hopefully he will be back next week.”

Reyna was dealing with an illness after returning from United States duty, and was forced to miss Borussia Dortmund’s clash against Bayern Munich as a result. He made his return to the squad for the DFB-Pokal quarterfinal tie against RB Leipzig on Wednesday, and was an unused substitute. Edin Terzic decided to leave him out of the BVB matchday squad on Saturday.

It remains to be seen what the exact reason is for Gio Reyna’s absence. The 20 year old made a stunning start to 2023, and scored three goals off the bench in Borussia Dortmund’s first four games of the calendar year. But he has only been used sporadically since then, with his only start of 2023 coming in the Bundesliga clash against Werder Bremen.

Gio Reyna has five goals and two assists to his name in 24 appearances across all competitions for Borussia Dortmund this season. He will now be hoping to make his return to the BVB squad next weekend as they travel to VfB Stuttgart in the Bundesliga.