Report: Concerns rise over Julian Ryerson’s ability to play for Borussia Dortmund ahead of Freiburg Clash
Borussia Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson was an unused sub in Norway’s 6-0 win over Jordan, and did not feature in Norway’s 2-1 win over Georgia in Euro 2024 qualifications.
Borussia Dortmund have reason to be concerned over Julian Ryerson’s ability to play against SC Freiburg this coming Saturday, with the Norwegian international not featuring in Norway’s critical Euro qualifier against Georgia during the international break. The Norwegian international has been nursing an ankle injury that has kept him on the sidelines in recent weeks.
Ryerson’s absence would come as a significant blow for Dortmund, who are slowly running out of players to feature in the full back positions. Dortmund’s strongest defensive line-up would certainly feature both Ryerson and Rami Bensebaini out wide, but they could possibly have to settle with Marius Wolf at right back once again. Dortmund’s limited center-back depth also means that Niklas Süle, while able to play right back, will likely fill his usual role at center back instead alongside Nico Schlotterbeck.
Dortmund’s assignment for the weekend is an away fixture at Freiburg as mentioned, which has proven a tough nut to crack for the club in the past. Freiburg sit just ahead of Dortmund in the table with 2 wins and a loss to their name. Ryerson’s absence could make this an even harder task as in previous games Marius Wolf was exposed more than once on the right, proving that teams can exploit the right flank of defense to have concrete opportunities on Dortmund’s goal.
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The fact that Dortmund was also unable to hold on to a 2-0 lead against Heidenheim also really highlights their defensive frailties, which, when fit, Ryerson has been able to help alleviate due to his physicality and tenacity on the pitch. While he may not be the most attacking of full-backs, he adds quite a bit of steel and fight to Dortmund’s lineup, which would be very useful in this away fixture in particular.