Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac has offered timely injury update ahead of their Bundesliga clash with Hoffenheim today.
The BVB make a daunting trip to Rhine-Neckar-Arena in Sinsheim for matchday two of the 2026-27 league season, aiming to continue their winning run.
Following a 2-0 win over Hamburger SV in their first top-flight match of the campaign, the Prussians thrashed HEBC 5-0 in the DFB-Pokal a few days later.
Ahead of their dauting face-off with Die Kraichguaer, Dortmund received a massive boost with key defender Nico Schlotterbeck returning to injury.
The Germany international had been recovering from an ankle injury he sustained during the 2026 FIFA World Cup but is now nearing a return to action.
Here's what Kovac said about him in the press conference yesterday:
"He’s doing the exercises on the pitch. On his own, without any opposition or teammates. We’re assessing to what extent we can gradually integrate him. "
Kovac's words indicate Schlotterbeck still isn't match ready, but hopes to have hime back for selection soon.
"The aim is to have Schlotti back as soon as possible. But there must be no setbacks. I hope to have him back in training in the next week or two. Then he’d be an option."
Ramy Bensebaini had picked up a rib injury lately and doubts remain over his availability for today's game too.
"Ramy trained with the first team for the first time today, although today’s session wasn’t particularly intense. We’ll see how it goes. He’s making progress."
As for young guns like Enzo Duarte and Mussa Kaba, Kovac revealed the boys are training too but haven't achieved match fitness yet.
"Enzo trained lightly with the team for the first time today, as did Mussa Kaba, but they’re not quite ready to be considered as alternatives yet."
After his promising displays during the preseason, Duarte was offered his first long-term professional contract that would keep him at the club until 2028. But he's yet to feature with the first-team this season, so does Kaba.
As for deadline day signing Ethan Nwaneri, Kovac hinted that the Englishman could be set for his club debut tonight.
"A player who is fit. He could play straight away. An England Under-21 international with excellent technical skills. We saw that straight away in training."
Nwaneri has joined Dortmund on a season-long loan after struggling to find regular gametime under Mikel Arteta and could see consistent first-team opportunities until Giannis Konstantelias returns.
Add us as a preferred source on Google