Niko Kovac gives personnel update ahead of Dortmund’s trip to Mainz

Niko Kovac talked about Borussia Dortmund’s personnel situation on Thursday.

Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac has provided a squad update ahead of his team’s Bundesliga clash with Mainz on Saturday.

Julien Duranville, Emre Can, and Aaron Anselmino remain sidelined, while Niklas Süle and Fabio Silva could potentially make the squad. 

“Juju (Duranville) is still in rehab, Emre (Can) as well. Aaron (Anselmino) is partially integrated but not fully ready for action. He won’t make it for the weekend,” Kovac said.

“Niki (Süle) and Fabio (Silva) have done more this week but haven’t trained fully. We’ll see tomorrow if they’re fit enough to be included in the squad. Serhou (Guirassy) took a knock to his thigh, but everything should be fine for the weekend.”

Kovac also commented on Nico Schlotterbeck’s return from injury last week, noting that the centre-back has “coped well”, but that the club will continue to monitor him closely.

“We have to be careful. The first game is always the easiest – you’re full of adrenaline. The real challenge comes afterward. Every coach hopes to rotate when possible. He [Schlotterbeck] will definitely start, that’s clear. If circumstances allow, I’ll consider making a change.”