Concern in Dortmund: confirmed defensive absence against Barcelona

Borussia Dortmund will host FC Barcelona this Wednesday at 21:00 CEST with a key defensive absence. Niklas Süle, who missed the last two Champions League matches due to an injury to his right ankle, has suffered a severe relapse after the match against Borussia Mönchengladbach (on Saturday) that could leave him 'KO' for several months.

"It is completely unfortunate to get injured in the same place. It is very bitter because we needed him", commented the 'BVB' coach, Nuri Sahin, in the press conference prior to the clash against Barça. Süle returned after a month out against Bayern Munich on November 30, playing 72 minutes in the home draw (1-1) against the Bavarians.

On Saturday, the 29-year-old center-back was once again a starter against Mönchengladbach (1-1), but had to leave the field in the 83rd minute due to severe pain in his ankle. "It is a bad streak for him, but that cannot be changed. We have to let the diagnosis settle and play the match tomorrow", added Sahin about the defender's absence.

Sahin 'passes' on favoritism before facing Barça

On the other hand, the Turkish coach ruled out any possible favoritism due to the weight of playing at home in a match that is, in principle, very even between two teams that remain at the top of the standings with the same number of points (12, but Barça is third due to better goal difference).

"I don't think there will be favorites tomorrow. It will be two teams of the same level and how they are on that day will play an important role", explained the Dortmund coach, who also made it clear that, for his team, the goal is to finish the league phase among the top eight, although the Bundesliga remains their absolute priority. For now, the 'black-yellow' team is sixth with 21 points, 12 behind the leader (Bayern).