18-year-old to make debut in Gladbach goal in absence of Nicolas and Omlin?

With both Moritz Nicolas and Jonas Omlin unavailable, 18-year-old Tiago Pereira Cardoso could be handed his senior debut in goal this weekend at the expense of the experienced Tobias Sippel.

Borussia Mönchengladbach have a big problem in goal ahead of this weekend’s Bundesliga clash with Heidenheim.

Moritz Nicolas has been sidelined for months, and his replacement, Jonas Omlin, saw red in Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Augsburg and has since been handed a one-match ban.

Tobias Sippel, 36, came on for Omlin against Augsburg and didn’t impress, conceding three goals in the second half.

Sippel’s underwhelming performance has led to speculation that 18-year-old Tiago Pereira Cardoso could be handed his debut in goal on Saturday.

Already a Luxembourg senior international, Cardoso is considered a bright prospect, but the question is whether Gladbach coach Gerardo Seoane feels he is ready for the Bundesliga or whether he will opt for the experienced Sippel.

When asked about the goalkeeping situation by Bild on Tuesday, Seoane said a decision would be made this week.

“Tuesday and Wednesday are the most important training sessions with the highest workload. We will decide during the training week,” he said.

On Cardoso, the coach added:

“He has come a long way in terms of his personality and attitude. He has good goalkeeping instincts and good reactions. We’re all convinced of his qualities here.

“We have full confidence in both him and Tobias Sippel.”

U23 goalkeepers Maximilian Brüll (22) and Maximilian Neutgens (20) are also in contention.