BVB Faces Severe Injury Setback Ahead of Crucial Champions League Clash with Inter Milan

Borussia Dortmund is grappling with a significant injury crisis as they prepare for their decisive Champions League group stage match against Inter Milan. With only 14 fit players available, including 10 starters and 4 substitutes, coach Niko Kovac faces a challenging task to secure qualification for the knockout phase. Key players Marcel Sabitzer (calf injury) and Niklas Süle (back injury) are sidelined, while Waldemar Anton is out due to an infection. The squad also excludes promising young talents Albert and Inacio due to club regulations restricting players with less than two years at the club from being nominated as 'local players'.

Despite these difficulties, Kovac has included 20-year-old Filippo Mane, who will make his Champions League debut, highlighting the manager's optimism about the young player's potential after a promising performance in the second team. The starting XI features goalkeeper Kobel, Mane, Can, Schlotterbeck, Ryerson, Bellingham, Nmecha, Bensebaini, Beier, Silva, and Guirassy.

Dortmund remains in contention for a spot in the knockout round but must capitalize on their strong home record, having lost only once in their last 21 matches at Signal Iduna Park. With Bayern München already secured in the last 16 and Leverkusen facing an uphill battle, Dortmund’s fate now hinges on overcoming their heavy injury toll and prevailing against Inter Milan in this final group stage fixture.