Borussia Dortmund is set to visit the SNP Arena in Sinsheim on Saturday for their upcoming Bundesliga match against Hoffenheim. Under the guidance of head coach Niko Kovac, Dortmund has enjoyed a promising start to the season, showcasing an impressive attacking style that has seen them score eight goals in their first three competitive outings.
The team's domestic form has been solid, highlighted by a crucial 2-0 victory over Hamburger SV in their latest Bundesliga match. However, their campaign has not been without challenges, as they experienced a narrow 2-1 defeat to arch-rivals Bayern Munich in the German Supercup, a match that served as a precursor to their league ambitions.
As they prepare for this fixture, Dortmund is grappling with significant defensive issues that have left Kovac with a depleted squad. Emre Can is confirmed to be out of action due to an ACL injury, while center-back Nico Schlotterbeck has just returned to light training following a World Cup-related injury and is not yet match-ready.
Additionally, Ramy Bensebaini's availability is in question as he is set to undergo a late fitness test due to a rib injury. The injury woes extend beyond the defense, affecting both midfield and attacking options. New signing Giannis Konstantelias is sidelined for several months after suffering an ACL tear during his Bundesliga debut, joining Justin Lerma on the injury list.
In the forward line, Dortmund will be without teenage striker Samuele Inacio, who is serving a suspension following a recent red card. To mitigate the impact of these absences, the club has called up Ethan Nwaneri, a deadline-day addition, who has traveled with the squad and may feature in the match.
The predicted starting XI for Borussia Dortmund includes goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, with a defensive line comprising of Svensson, Gadou, and Anton. The midfield is expected to feature Ryerson, Nmecha, Bellingham, and Beier, while the attacking front could see Karetsas, Sabitzer, and Guirassy leading the charge.
This match is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 PM BST on Saturday, September 5. Fans in the United Kingdom can catch the action live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through the Sky Go app or via a flexible pass on NOW.
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