Borussia Dortmund injury update ahead of Heidenheim clash

Serhou Guirassy and Yan Couto could make their Borussia Dortmund debuts in the Bundesliga this weekend after both returning to training.

Speaking in Wednesday’s press conference, Nuri Şahin discussed Guirassy, who returned to team training before the international break.

“He has increased his workload again and again in recent weeks, now he is making an excellent impression,” said Şahin. “There is no handbrake in his head at all. He is behaving the way a top player should.”

When questioned on Couto, who joined the club on loan with an obligation to buy from Manchester City, the 36-year-old head coach added: “He was able to train with us all week. It was of course bitter for him that he had to withdraw from the Brazilian national team. If everything goes as normal, he will be there on Friday.”

Borussia Dortmund without Gio Reyna and Nico Schlotterbeck

Şahin also confirmed that Gio Reyna has suffered a setback after picking up a fresh injury while being on international duty with the US national team. Nico Schlotterbeck is also suspended after being sent off for a second bookable offence in their 0-0 draw against Werder Bremen prior to the international break.

Ramy Bensebaini is a player who came off the bench against both Eintracht Frankfurt and Werder Bremen. The Algerian could be an option to start in absence of Schlotterbeck, with Şahin adding: “Physically, he is at a really good level. He’s a very, very good footballer. It’s a new start for him. We get on well and now it’s up to him to bring his level back onto the pitch.”

Borussia Dortmund opened their Bundesliga campaign with a 2-0 win against Eintracht Frankfurt in a performance that gained plaudits, but their 0-0 draw against Werder Bremen drew criticism from many.

Against Heidenheim, Dortmund face a difficult side that is yet to concede in the league this season as Frank Schmidt’s side sit top of the Bundesliga.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder