Borussia Dortmund’s Gio Reyna could be set for a faster-than-expected return for injury

Borussia Dortmund could be set for some good news on the injury front in the coming days and weeks as Gio Reyna could be ahead of schedule in terms of his expected return to action. According to Ruhr Nachrichten, the American international was able to conduct light running exercises and also work with the ball during training.

Reyna, who’s been sidelined for 19 days, has been nursing a groin strain which has kept him out of selection for Dortmund’s last three games. This news will come as a welcome respite for head coach Nuri Şahin, who has praised Reyna this season and noted that his development is going in the right direction, and was disappointed to see Reyna have to deal with this setback in the first place:

"He came straight back [from the national team] and I found him extremely sad; unfortunately, it will take a few weeks. And then I hope that he can continue on this good path afterward."

- Nuri Şahin

Considering Dortmund’s current situation, the availability of an additional creator in midfield would be a boon for Şahin and his charges. We’ve seen Reyna used as a super sub to great effect in the past, and he could possibly play that role in some of Dortmund’s upcoming games.

Dortmund has an extensive list of games coming up at the end of September and into October, especially considering the club's upcoming action in the Champions League against Celtic and Real Madrid. Reyna being available for games in the Bundesliga against the likes of St. Pauli or Union Berlin could provide some welcome respite for players who may exert themselves in these upcoming Champions League fixtures. If he also gets a run of minutes and impresses, he may also find himself getting some time in these Champions League games as well.