Borussia Dortmund have the unenviable job of understanding how you can halt Barcelona within the Champions League quarter-finals, and now they are going to be pressured to take action with out arguably the participant which may have contributed to that the majority. Central defender Nico Schlotterbeck has been dominated out for the remainder of the season, and as such, will miss each of their clashes with Barcelona.
Schlotterbeck has been a key a part of their backline this season and one among their most dependable presences this season, nonetheless the German worldwide will probably be out of motion for a number of months. Dortmund introduced on Monday afternoon that Schlotterbeck had torn his meniscus.
Bittere Nachricht im Saisonendspurt: Nico Schlotterbeck hat sich einen Meniskusriss im linken Knie zugezogen und wird dem BVB in der laufenden Spielzeit nicht mehr zur Verfügung stehen.
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🔗 https://t.co/KEEygbg7QH pic.twitter.com/0ux1pLNK3O— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) April 7, 2025
His absence is compounded by 4 extra that supervisor Nico Kovac should cope with, together with defensive companion Niklas Sule, who MD say is unlikely to make the match. There may be additionally important doubt over Marcel Sabitzer, who has been instrumental in the course of the pitch, and carried out nicely towards Barcelona within the league part. Sabitzer is mostly partnered by Pascal Gross in midfield, however he’s suspended for the primary leg, leaving a tough gap to fill in the course of the pitch. At left-back, Rami Bensabaini was additionally taken off towards Freiburg on Saturday, and his presence is doubtful.
Almugera Kabar changed Bensabaini towards Freiburg, whereas Carney Chukwuemeka performed rather than Sabitzer. Felix Nmecha and Salih Ozan are different options within the center, notably if Sabitzer doesn’t make it again in time.
Frenkie de Jong has instructed his agent that he needs to remain at Barcelona for 100%, and renew his contract as a result of he is at the moment very pleased. Leaving on a free in 2026 will not be an choice for the Dutchman both. @ffpolo pic.twitter.com/e6d18RpSeQ
— barcacentre (@barcacentre) April 7, 2025
In fact Barcelona are coping with the same variety of key absences themselves, albeit they’ve grown use to coping with out them. Captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been ably changed by Wojciech Szczesny, whereas midfielders Marc Casado, Marc Bernal and Dani Olmo are all out of motion too. Olmo might return for the second leg, however changing him is the most important debate for Hansi Flick on Wednesday night time, with Fermin Lopez and Gavi chief candidates to take action.