Report: Gregor Kobel dealing with ear infection

Gregor Kobel is said to be dealing with an ear infection and may well be forced to miss Borussia Dortmund's clash against Heidenheim in the Bundesliga this Friday.

Borussia Dortmund had to make do without Gregor Kobel for their Bundesliga match against VfL Bochum last weekend. And according to BILD, the chances of him returning to action in time for Friday's trip to FC Heidenheim are not very high either. The tabloid claims that Kobel is suffering from a persistent ear infection, and BVB do not want to take any risks with his fitness.

Alexander Meyer had a solid game in goal as he deputised for Kobel against VfL Bochum on Sunday. And he will likely start between the sticks once again on Friday if the 26 year old is unable to recover from his ear infection in time.

Borussia Dortmund's next game following their trip to Heidenheim is at home against SC Freiburg on February 9. And the hope will be that Gregor Kobel can be fully fit in time for that game. The Switzerland international is enjoying an excellent campaign in goal, and has been one of BVB's top performers. He has made a total of 27 appearances for BVB so far this season.

The illness bug has hit Borussia Dortmund hard since the return of the Bundesliga. Mats Hummels was forced to miss two matches due to an infection. And in addition to Gregor Kobel, playmakers Julian Brandt and Marco Reus were also sidelined against Bochum on Sunday due to illness.