Dortmund, Germany – Borussia Dortmund aim to take “a big step” towards direct qualification for the Champions League round of 16 with victory against Barcelona on Wednesday, despite the bad news that centre-back Niklas Süle will be out of action for months.
“We will play with a lot of courage. We will not change our idea,” coach Nuri Sahin told reporters on Tuesday.
Last season’s runners-up Dortmund and Barca, where former Bayern Munich and Germany coach Hansi Flick is in charge, have 12 points each, and in third and fourth place are on course towards a top-eight finish granting the direct last 16 entry.
Dortmund have been a major force at home this season, dropping their only points there in a 1-1 Bundesliga draw with Bayern Munich.
Dortmund to take big step
“If we pull it off tomorrow, we will take a really big step towards the top eight. Barcelona are neighbours in the table, we want to win the game tomorrow,” Sahin said.
“There is no favourite tomorrow. We’re playing at the same level. We are capable of winning the game. We’ll see a game tomorrow in which the form on the day will play a big role.”
Sahin named Barca, who have struggled lately in La Liga but earlier beat Bayern 4-1 in Europe and Real Madrid 4-0 in the Clasico, “a very, very good opponent with an extraordinary coach.”
Süle shock
Dortmund approach the match in the wake of their latest and most devastating injury news as Sahin revealed that Süle will be out of action for months with an ankle injury that had already sidelined him for weeks in October.
Sahin said he suffered a syndesmosis injury again during Saturday’s 1-1 Bundesliga draw at Borussia Möchengladbach.
“Niklas Süle will be out for several months. It is a severe injury,” he said. “I talked to him last night. He was also very shocked.
“It is very, very bitter because we would have really, really needed him.”
Others also absent
Süle is not the only player missing on Wednesday, with centre-back Waldemar Anton and midfielder Julian Brandt also unavailable. Forward Maximilian Beier is doubtful.
“We have a great squad, no matter who is on the pitch tomorrow. It works well with every player,” goalkeeper Gregor Kobel said defiantly.
(dpa)