Borussia Dortmund's Gregor Kobel likely set to miss out on Hoffenheim clash

Borussia Dortmund are set to continue their Bundesliga campaign against Hoffenheim this coming Sunday as Die Schwarzgelben host their opponents in the Westfalenstadion. One player who is likely to not make an appearance is Gregor Kobel.

According to reports coming out of Germany, Kobel is unlikely to be able to make it back into Dortmund's starting eleven for the game due to continued muscular issues. These very same muscular issues kept Kobel out of the game against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League this past Tuesday.

Kobel's absence will of course be a blow for Dortmund, who have come to rely quite heavily on their immaculate shot stopper since he signed from VFB Stuttgart in 2021. Kobel currently has 10 clean sheets in 29 appearances, and has conceded 32 goals across all competitions this season.

In goal, we will likely see deputy goal keeper Alexander Meyer once again. Meyer has been a fine deputy for Kobel, putting in solid performances when called upon for his side. His stewardship in net should be enough to see Dortmund through this tie, as their opponents come into the game in abysmal form.

Hoffenheim haven't won a single game since the post-winter break restart and have allowed 12 goals in the last 7 games, perhaps making them a good team for Dortmund to bounce back against and find some form going into March. This will of course depend on what side of Borussia Dortmund we see on the pitch, and whether Hoffenheim can continue their tradition of being a bogey team for Die Schwarzgelben.

As for Kobel, Borussia Dortmund will certainly hope that his injuries will not continue to stack up this season. Kobel already had to deal with thigh and muscular problems earlier in the season, so the hope will certainly be that the club can get their top shot stopper fully fit before risking a longer stint on the sidelines.