Nico Schlotterbeck, the German defender for Borussia Dortmund, is expected to make his return to the pitch in approximately two weeks following an ankle injury he sustained during the World Cup. Coach Niko Kovac shared this positive news after Schlotterbeck resumed training on Wednesday, indicating that the player is progressing well in his recovery.
During a press conference, Kovac expressed his hope that Schlotterbeck would be back in full team practice within the next week or two. This timeline suggests that he could be available for selection before the international break at the end of September, which would be a significant boost for Dortmund as they navigate a challenging schedule.
As Dortmund prepares to face Hoffenheim on Saturday, Schlotterbeck is unlikely to feature in the upcoming matches against Paderborn on September 12 and VfB Stuttgart on September 19. His absence will be felt, particularly as the team aims to maintain its competitive edge in the Bundesliga.
Additionally, Schlotterbeck will miss the Champions League opener against Villarreal on Tuesday due to a suspension stemming from a red card received in the knockout stages against Atalanta last season. This suspension adds to the challenges facing Dortmund as they look to make a strong impression in Europe.
Despite not yet training with teammates, Kovac noted that Schlotterbeck is already participating in individual drills on the field. The coach emphasized the importance of a cautious approach to his return, stating, "We’ll see to what extent we can ramp that up over the next few days. Of course, the goal is to have Schlotti back as soon as possible. But there can’t be any setbacks."
Schlotterbeck's return is highly anticipated, as he plays a crucial role in Dortmund's defensive lineup. His experience and skill will be invaluable as the team looks to build momentum in both domestic and international competitions. With the Bundesliga season already underway, every match counts, and having Schlotterbeck back in the squad could make a significant difference in their performance.
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