As we head into November, Borussia Dortmund’s injury crisis has taken it’s toll, with a total of 13 players on the current injury list. Among them, it was expected that Austrian international Marcel Sabitzer would remain on said list and further deepen Dortmund’s woes going into the club’s game against Sturm Graz in the Champions League.
At least for Sabitzer, there seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel, however. During the pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow’s clash in Dortmund, Sabitzer noted that he was looking forward to the game and that he’s hopeful he’ll be able to take part. Sabitzer himself grew up in the city of Graz, so the game is a special one for him:
“I come from Graz, I grew up there. I have many memories. Our mission is to win tomorrow, that’s clear.”
– Marcel Sabitzer
Sabitzer will have no time for sentimentality on Tuesday; the focus will be on getting a win as he states. Dortmund’s Champions League loss to Real Madrid de-railed what was a perfect start to this year’s iteration of the competition, and Sturm Graz, while not the same caliber of opponent, are Champions of the Austrian Bundesliga and could prove tricky if Dortmund don’t stay focused.
Sabitzer’s role will be especially important considering how depleted the midfield is with Pascal Groß covering at right back and Emre Can likely playing center back once again. Just like his partner in midfield, Sabitzer is a very versatile player and could be called to shift around the pitch if necessary. He has done so previously this season, and claims he’s ready to do it again when called upon:
“I played in the center, which worked very well. Wherever I am placed, I give my best.”
– Marcel Sabitzer
Aside from Sabitzer, Head coach Nuri Şahin doused any hope with regards to other names on the lengthy list of sidelined players, stating that it is unlikely any of them will take part in tomorrow’s game:
“It doesn’t look like any of the injured players will return. We’ll have to see about Waldemar Anton, but it’s not looking promising.”
– Nuri Şahin
Anton, who Şahin singled out has been dealing with thigh issues, and his absence may indeed signal that, as mentioned, Emre Can would fill in at center back once again. The list of partners for Sabitzer in midfield therefore will also be very thin, as Felix Nmecha and academy product Kjell Wätjen are also quite possibly out for this match. This means that Şahin will have to get very creative with his formation and likely call upon the services of some more of Dortmund’s u23 squad and academy players to fill the extensive amount of gaps in the current squad.
