Niko Kovac provides injury update on Nico Schlotterbeck ahead of RB Leipzig clash

Niko Kovac has given an injury update on Nico Schlotterbeck ahead of Borussia Dortmund’s trip to Leipzig.

Nico Schlotterbeck has been ruled out of Borussia Dortmund’s away game against RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga on Saturday.

The centre-back missed Dortmund’s 2-0 win over Atalanta on Tuesday due to muscular problems, and head coach Niko Kovac confirmed at Thursday’s press conference that Saturday’s game comes too soon for him.

“’Schlotti’ was on the pitch today. He feels good – it’s certainly a bit of a precaution. We don’t want to take too high a risk, because coming in too early could mean a longer recovery later. So patience is required,” Kovac said.

The Croatian coach left it unclear whether Schlotterbeck will be available for next week’s return leg against Atalanta or Dortmund’s top-of-the-table clash with Bayern Munich.

“He does want to play, but we have to be sensible. That’s why he will miss the Leipzig game. We’ll see regarding the games against Atalanta and Bayern,” Kovac added.

Emre Can, Niklas Süle, and Filippo Mané also remain sidelined for Dortmund’s trip to RB Leipzig.