Dortmund in apickle: Kovac juggles scant squad amidst Club World Cup woes
Borussia Dortmund (BVB) needs to resolve critical matters before the upcoming World Cup
Dortmund's break from recovery was brief, stepping back onto the pitch amidst uncertainty. The team's training on Monday was a skeleton squad affair, with several key players still missing. The Club World Cup is looming, but it's anyone's guess what changes Kovac will implement before the tournament kicks off.
Coach Niko Kovac, with experience from Bayern Munich and beyond, welcomed approximately ten professionals for the first non-public training session following a short vacation. Niklas Süle made a brief appearance, but illness forced him off the pitch shortly after. Talents from the U19 squad filled the void, but it's yet to be decided if any of them will join the team in the U.S. on June 13.
National team players won't be integrated until the coming week, with twelve currently still in action for their respective countries. The exact Dortmund squad for the Club World Cup remains a mystery, with potential additions such as Jobe Bellingham, brother of former Dortmund player Jude Bellingham, from AFC Sunderland, on the table. However, it seems questionable whether this transfer can be finalized by June 10, the closing date of the special transfer window for Club World Cup participants.
Carney Chukwuemeka, on loan from FC Chelsea, is expected to travel to the U.S., but his post-June 30 situation remains uncertain. The loan deal may be extended until the end of the tournament, and Chukwuemeka should participate in the group stage matches for Dortmund. Soumaila Coulibaly, currently on loan to Stade Brest, is also expected to return early, but he's been sidelined due to an adductor injury.
Dortmund's group stage matches in the Club World Cup include a meeting with Fluminense from Brazil on June 17 in New Jersey, a game against Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa on June 21 in Cincinnati, and a clash against Ulsan HD from South Korea on June 25 in Cincinnati.
Stay tuned for updates on Dortmund's squad and their preparation for the Club World Cup. For the latest and most accurate squad information, be sure to check the official Borussia Dortmund website or recent sports news outlets as the start date approaches.
The Commission has not yet adopted a decision on the conclusion of the agreement regarding Jobe Bellingham's transfer to Borussia Dortmund before the Club World Cup starts. Despite the absence of several key players, Coach Niko Kovac has been practicing football with a combination of professionals and talented U19 players due to the team's upcoming sports matches, including a game against Fluminense on June 17.
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