Expected Borussia Dortmund lineup for VfL Bochum clash

Borussia Dortmund will be sweating on the availability of a number of key players ahead of their home game against VfL Bochum in the Bundesliga this weekend.

Having won two games on the trot, Borussia Dortmund will hope to climb into the top four with a win against local rivals VfL Bochum on Sunday evening. The Black and Yellows have momentum back on side after a disappointing first half of the season, but may well have to make do without some big names this weekend.

Gregor Kobel, Julian Brandt and Marco Reus have been dealing with an illness and it remains to be seen if they will be able to feature on Sunday. However, there is some good news on the injury front, with Mats Hummels, Emre Can, and Niklas Süle all available to face Bochum.

Here we take a look at how Borussia Dortmund could line up for their Bundesliga clash against VfL Bochum.

With Gregor Kobel a serious doubt for Sunday's game, second-choice goalkeeper Alexander Meyer could make his return to the starting XI. If Meyer plays against Bochum, it would be only his second appearance of the season.

Thomas Meunier has established himself as Borussia Dortmund's first-choice right-back for the time being, and will start there again on Sunday. Ian Maatsen will start on the opposite flank, looking to build on his promising start to life at BVB.

Nico Schlotterbeck will helm the Borussia Dortmund defence, although it will be interesting to see who starts alongside him. Veteran centre-back Mats Hummels is the likeliest candidate, but Niklas Süle could also be given a shot after recovering from his back problems.

Emre Can should return to the starting XI following Salih Özcan's struggles against his former club last weekend. Marcel Sabitzer will likely join the BVB captain in midfield.

Julian Brandt and Marco Reus are both suffering from a bout of illness, which could present a rare opportunity in the starting XI for Gio Reyna. The USMNT international has been heavily linked with a move away from BVB, but a strong performance from him on Sunday may cause a rethink on the part of the BVB bosses.

In attack, Jadon Sancho will lead the way after setting up two goals in his first two appearances since returning to Borussia Dortmund. Donyell Malen was in sublime form last weekend, and will hope to add to his goal tally this weekend.

Niclas Füllkrug will hope to fend off competition from the in-form Youssoufa Moukoko and play from the start on Sunday. But calls are growing for the 19 year old to be finally given a shot in the starting XI. Whether Edin Terzic will listen is another topic.

Expected Borussia Dortmund lineup vs VfL Bochum: Meyer - Meunier, Hummels, Schlotterbeck, Maatsen - Can, Sabitzer, Reyna - Malen, Sancho - Füllkrug