Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has given a worrying update on defender Ramy Bensebaini ahead of their Bundesliga clash with Eintracht Frankfurt tonight.
The Algerian picked up a knock during their 4-0 win over Freiburg two weeks ago that kept him out of their defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach last Sunday too.
Bensebaini, who scored and assisted in that match, was diagnosed with a severe foot injury that resulted in pain and swelling. Althought it wasn't confirmed initially whether he'd miss the rest of their season or not, but the fears have now seemingly come true.
Kovac confirmed in his latest press conference that Bensebaini will miss tonight's visit to Frankfurt and doesn't see him making it for their last game of the season to Werder Bremen on 16 May either.
“I don’t think he’ll be fit for the Bremen game either,” said the Croatian manager, effectively confirming he is set to miss the final matchday too as Bensebaini has already played his last for the season.
But on the bright side, Karim Adeyemi, Niklas Sule and Felix Nmecha are back in the squad and have traveled with the rest of the team.
Adeyemi is a key player for Dortmund but since he hasn't played in a month, Kovac won't be rushing to start him as the Dortmund head coach has confirmed he may only come off the bench.
“If he comes on, he can make an impact," added Kovac, who may bring him on in the second half to get some gametime.
Meanwhile, Sule is gearing up for his last appearance at the Signal Iduna Park as the German defender has announced he'd be retiring at the end of the season. He was confirmed to leave the club after his contract expires next month but the 30-year-old has now decided to hang up his boots altogether.
However, it's not confirmed yet whether the former Bayern Munich star would start the match or come off the bench.
Dortmund's probable lineup
Not many changes are expected from Kovac, who could field the same XI as he's done almost the entire season. Luca Reggiani, who's come into the side lately, is likely to retain his spot in the XI once more.
Waldemar Anton and Nico Schlotterbeck could start alongside him in their traditional three-man defense, while Marcel Sabitzer and Jobe Bellingham will be the double pivot in midfield. Serhou Guirassy will be leading figure for the hosts, supported by Julian Brandt and Maximilian Beier.
Probable starting XI: Gregor Kobel; Luca Reggiani, Waldemar Anton, Nico Schlotterbeck; Julian Ryerson, Marcel Sabitzer, Jobe Bellingham, Daniel Svensson; Julian Brandt, Maximiliam Beier; Serhou Guirassy.
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