Gittens ruled out of Dortmund’s clash with Ulsan HD

Borussia Dortmund will be without Jamie Gittens when they face Ulsan HD.

Jamie Gittens will miss Borussia Dortmund’s final Club World Cup group stage match against South Korean champions Ulsan HD on Wednesday.

“We left Jamie at home because he’s sick,” revealed head coach Niko Kovač at his pre-match press conference.

Gittens has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in recent days, but Kovač insisted that’s not the reason the winger will miss out.

Giovanni Reyna is also a doubt due to illness.

“The air conditioning is having an effect. His nose was blocked and his throat was sore,” said Kovač.

Marcel Sabitzer is another question mark, having only taken part in parts of training due to ongoing knee problems.

Dortmund are considered clear favorites against the group’s bottom team, but Kovač made it clear that he’s not planning a full rotation, with progression to the knockout stage not yet guaranteed.

“We have to take care of business first. That’s why we won’t rotate completely.”