Borussia Dortmund Brace for Sabitzer and Wolf's Return in Champions League Clash
Borussia Dortmund (BVB) are fretting over the potential comeback of Marcel Sabitzer and Marius Wolf before their crunch Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday (21:00/DAZN). It remains unclear whether the pair, who sat out the 3-2 draw versus RB Leipzig, will rejoin the squad, with a last-minute decision expected on Thursday. Coach Edin Terzic addressed the situation, hinting at a separate assessment for Sabitzer, while affirming Wolf had participated in warm-ups on Tuesday.
The possible absence of Wolf poses a challenge, especially considering Thomas Meunier's ineligibility for Champions League play. With Meunier barred, BVB defender Mats Hummels, who served a suspension following a red card against Leipzig, becomes an option. However, captain Emre Can, suspended for the Premier League, necessitates a replacement, although Dortmund have yet to disclose their candidate.
With a slim three-point advantage over Paris, BVB only need a draw to secure their position at the Champions League tier's pinnacle, bolstering prospects of facing a less formidable foe in the Round of 16. Terzic voiced hesitance towards the revenge narrative, preferring to embrace the showdown's motivation of playing before an audience of over 81,000 spectators.
Extra Insights
Having analyzed the UEFA.com squad list for BVB, we can draw some assumptions regarding their lineup and potential consequences in case of Sabitzer and Wolf's absence:
Squad Overview
- Marcel Sabitzer: An Austrian midfielder with eight matches under his belt in Dortmund's colors.
- Marius Wolf: A German midfielder known for his role in BVB but not yet listed in the current UEFA.com squad data.
Potential Impact
- Marcel Sabitzer's Absence:
- Sabitzer's potential absence could impact the team's midfield dynamics, with his replacement potentially struggling to adapt to the team's style of play.
- Marius Wolf's Absence:
- Wolf's absence might necessitate adjustments in BVB's midfield strategy, potentially leading to a more defensive approach or an increased role for other midfielders.
Lineup Alterations
- Midfield Depth: With Sabitzer and Wolf out, BVB might rely on other midfielders such as Julian Brandt, Salih Özcan, or Giovanni Reyna, allowing them to maintain midfield control and creativity.
- Tactical Parallels: The team may need to adjust their tactics to compensate for the missing players, resulting in a more defensive approach or prioritizing quick counter-attacks to exploit the opponent's vulnerabilities.
Performance Influences
- Team Cohesion: The absence of key players, like Sabitzer and Wolf, could disrupt BVB's team cohesion and chemistry, potentially affecting their overall performance in the Champions League match.
- Creative Output: The duo's absence could reduce the team's capacity to create scoring opportunities, in turn, impacting their overall performance versus Paris Saint-Germain.
Ultimately, while BVB's specific injury status details for Sabitzer and Wolf remain undisclosed, their potential absences could affect their lineup and overall performance, primarily influencing their midfield depth and creativity.
