Borussia Dortmund Prepares for St. Pauli Clash Amid Injury Concerns
As Borussia Dortmund gears up for their Bundesliga matchup against St. Pauli, all eyes are on how the team will navigate key injuries and squad rotations. Head coach Niko Kovač provided some crucial updates in his latest press conference, addressing player fitness, tactical adjustments, and expectations for the game.
One of the biggest concerns heading into this match is the absence of Julian Ryerson due to a flu-like infection. Kovač confirmed that Ryerson attempted to train but wasn’t feeling well enough, ruling him out of the squad. That leaves a crucial gap in the right-back position, with potential replacements including Yan Couto, Niklas Süle, and Marius Wolf. Couto, who got a brief run in the previous game, might finally get a chance to start. However, Kovač urged patience regarding the Brazilian’s integration into the squad, emphasizing the importance of gradual playing time.
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Another name that has been in the spotlight is Jamie Bynoe-Gittens. The young English winger has seen his minutes reduced recently due to inconsistent performances. His replacement, Maxi Beier, delivered an outstanding display against Union Berlin, scoring once and providing two assists. However, Kovač noted that Bynoe-Gittens has been performing well in training and hinted that he could get another shot in the upcoming fixture.
Julian Brandt, another key player, will be on the bench as he continues recovering from muscle issues. Kovač made it clear that Dortmund won’t rush him back into the starting XI, prioritizing long-term fitness over short-term gains.
Looking at the opposition, St. Pauli presents a unique challenge. While they don’t score a lot of goals, their defensive record speaks for itself. With a goal difference of 18:27, they have one of the most compact and disciplined defensive setups in the league. Kovač acknowledged that breaking them down will require patience, teamwork, and a high level of concentration.
Following a dominant 6-0 victory over Union Berlin, Dortmund will aim to carry that momentum into this fixture. However, with key players missing and tactical adjustments necessary, this match promises to be a real test for the Black-and-Yellows. Will they rise to the occasion and secure another crucial three points? We’ll find out soon.
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