Schlotterbeck set for return? Why Dortmund fans have fresh hope | OneFootball

Good news for BVB and the national team: Nico Schlotterbeck is making rapid progress after his meniscus injury. A return to the pitch could happen earlier than planned.

Borussia Dortmund can hope for a speedy return of central defender Nico Schlotterbeck. The 25-year-old has been missing from BVB since April due to a meniscus tear, but national coach Julian Nagelsmann gave a positive update on Wednesday: "The exchange was good, he is making great progress. He will be back in action soon and is basically free of complaints."

Schlotterbeck himself had already announced a return in October at the beginning of August: "My goal is still to be fit for action again in October. I work on a comeback every day and am looking forward to being back on the pitch with my teammates in the most beautiful stadium in the world." BVB coach Niko Kovac confirmed the positive development: "We are on track with Schlotti. Schlotti is working hard, which is nice and we are satisfied with the status."

The return of the key player is particularly important for BVB as the defense is heavily depleted. Niklas Süle is out with a calf injury, Emre Can is struggling with adductor problems. In response, the club loaned Aaron Anselmino from FC Chelsea. The 20-year-old could be in the starting line-up for the home game against Union Berlin. Youngster Filippo Mane is unavailable after a red card in the game against St. Pauli.

Nagelsmann praises qualities of BVB star Schlotterbeck

Schlotterbeck is also indispensable for the national team. He was not present at the Nations League final tournament in June and is currently also missing from the DFB squad for the first international matches of the new World Cup cycle. Nagelsmann emphasized the outstanding qualities of the defender: "A player that I would like to see as a regular from his profile." He pointed out that Nico Schlotterbeck, as a left-footer with good speed, strong game construction and high aggression, is a decisive player who just needs to play and stay healthy to take on this role.

The return was originally planned for October, but Nagelsmann's statements give hope that it could possibly happen a little earlier. This would give BVB urgently needed stability in defense, while the national team would also regain an important key player.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.