Niko Kovac discusses options to replace injured centre-backs against Atalanta

Niko Kovac has outlined his defensive options ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Atalanta, with four centre-backs unavailable.

On Monday morning, Borussia Dortmund confirmed that Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle will miss Tuesday’s Champions League knockout phase play-off clash with Atalanta due to injury.

With Emre Can and Filippo Mané already sidelined, the Black and Yellows have four centre-backs unavailable heading into the game, leaving them short of options at the back.

However, BVB head coach Niko Kovac is confident he can find a solution.

Ramy Bensebaini and Waldemar Anton look set to start, but the question is whether Kovac will select a player to join them in a three-man backline or switch to a different formation.

“It’s the coach’s job to find solutions and be creative. Our past experience shows that we always have options ready,” Kovac said at Monday’s pre-match press conference when asked about his defensive options.

“Julian [Ryerson] has played in central defence against Juventus, and Salih [Özcan] could also be deployed there. If necessary, we can even adjust the system.”

Eighteen-year-old Luca Reggiani, who came on to replace Süle at half-time in Friday’s 4-0 win over Mainz, is another alternative. However, it’s doubtful if Kovac will hand the inexperienced youngster a start in what he expects to be a demanding encounter.

“Atalanta have a great team and have developed over the years. They won the Europa League two years ago,” Kovac said.

“It will be man-to-man all over the pitch and very intense. There will be moments where we can exploit space to create opportunities, but they are a very strong opponent. I see the chances as 50:50.”