Borussia Dortmund have their defensive leader back. Nico Schlotterbeck completed full team training this week and has been declared fit for the upcoming matchday by head coach Niko Kovač. The 26-year-old centre-back suffered an ankle injury during Germany's World Cup match against Côte d'Ivoire on June 20th and has been sidelined since.
The vice-captain's return comes at an ideal time. Borussia Dortmund sit second in the Bundesliga table with nine points from three games, having recently secured a convincing 3-0 win over SC Paderborn 07. The next challenge is away to VfB Stuttgart, currently in 14th place, this Saturday.
Kovač Confirms Fitness
Manager Niko Kovač left no doubt about his key player's condition after the session. "Nico completed training without any issues and is fully available again," the coach said. Schlotterbeck was a mainstay in Dortmund's defence last season with 28 Bundesliga appearances, playing a major part in their runners-up finish. His physical presence and ball-playing ability have been missed in recent weeks.
Squad Situation in Focus
While Schlotterbeck returns, BVB must continue without several injured players. Filippo Mané, Giannis Konstantelias and Konstantinos Karetsas are currently unavailable. The experienced defender's return stabilises the centre-back position ahead of the demanding trip to Stuttgart.
Former Bayern Prospect Debuts
In other Bundesliga news, 20-year-old Noël Aséko Nkili made his debut for Eintracht Frankfurt. The defensive midfielder, who moved from Bayern Munich to Frankfurt this summer, had made a name for himself last season with Hannover 96 in the 2. Bundesliga. His departure from Munich was completed in the summer. For Borussia Dortmund, however, Schlotterbeck's return is the more significant personnel update. The defensive chief is expected to return directly to the starting lineup against Stuttgart and will see out his contract with BVB until 2028.
