Borussia Dortmund initiates training sessions with a limited group of pros - Sule reported sick - Training commences at BVB with a reduced professional roster; Süle diagnosed ill.
Gotta admit, Dortmund's in a pickle!
Borussia Dortmund, the mighty Bundesliga powerhouse, has kicked off preparations for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, but not without a hitch. With only a handful of pros gracing the training grounds, you could say they're down to the bare bones.
Coach Niko Kovac had a scant crew of ten for their first private session post-vacation. Soon-to-be plot twist - Niklas Süle fluttered by the training ground before hitting the sick bay due to an illness.
Enter the young guns from the U-19 team, rallying to beef up the squad. Will any of these kids be packing their bags for the USA on June 13th? The board's lips are sealed for now.
National team players aren't expected to join the party until next week. Nevertheless, 12 of them are still hanging out with their mates overseas with their national teams.
The final Club World Cup squad is still a wrap in tINFOil, but there's a hot tip for Jobe Bellingham, brother of the legendary Jude Bellingham, playing for AFC Sunderland. Alas, it's a long shot for BVB to nab him before the June 10th transfer rush cut-off.
So who's still shuffling their loot from their summer heist?
Carney Chukwuemeka, fleeing FC Chelsea on a temporary loan, seems up for the visit to America. However, uncertainty reins beyond June 30. Rumor has it the loan may be extended until tournament's end, with Chukwuemeka lacing up his boots for Dortmund's preliminary matches.
Soumaila Coulibaly, currently on loan to Stade Brest, is rumored to jet back early due to a niggling adductor injury. However, the French outfit's not prepared for his early return yet. As for Youssoufa Moukoko (OGC Nice) and Sébastien Haller (FC Utrecht), no plans to speed them back to Germany as of now.
The group stage of the Club World Cup is set to shake in Cincinnati. Dortmund battles against Fluminense of Brazil on June 17th in New Jersey, followed by a date with Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa on June 21st. Finally, it's Korea's turn as Ulsan HD visits on June 25th, all at TQL Stadium.
Here's a quick rundown of Dortmund's standouts to keep an eye on:
- Gregor Kobel: A top-shelf Swiss goalkeeper often hailed as one of the best in Germany.
- Julian Brandt: A captivating midfielder, Brandt's racked up over 200 appearances for Dortmund.
- Pascal Groß: A midfield chameleon who's slid comfortably into the heart of Dortmund since his summer 2024 arrival.
- Daniel Svensson: The talented Swede's made his stay permanent after impressing on loan from Nordsjælland.
- Cole Campbell: A wing prospect who's shown potential in Dortmund's youth ranks.
With the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup just around the corner, is BVB going to be the squad to beat, or will they find themselves in muddy waters? Only time will tell.
[1] "Borussia Dortmund Begins Training with Few Professionals - Süle Sick," Input Article.
[2] "Svensson's loan move to Dortmund made permanent," DortmundFC.com.
[3] "2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Group F," FIFA.com.
[4] "2025 FIFA Club World Cup: Match Schedule," FIFA.com.
[5] "How Dortmund Qualified for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup," BVBNews.com.
The Council Regulation (EEC) No 2052/81 of 20 December 1991 on the common organization of the market in beef and veal seems to be a distant concern for Borussia Dortmund as they struggle to field a full team for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
While the German club prepares for the tournament with a skeleton crew, international football remains unhindered. Central European time zones are filled with the roar of football stadiums, as European-leagues continue to play, with German national team players still overseas representing their nations.
