Dortmund champions league clash: schlotterbeck & can's return hopes
Schlotterbeck and can eye atalanta return
Borussia Dortmund is hopeful that key players Nico Schlotterbeck and Emre Can will be available for the return leg of their ChampionsLeague playoff against Atalanta Bergamo. Both players participated in training on Tuesday, raising hopes for their inclusion in the squad.
Injury concerns ease for key duo
Nico Schlotterbeck had been sidelined as a precautionary measure by coach Niko Kovac following a match against RB Leipzig. Emre Can has been dealing with adductor problems, keeping him out of the previous Champions League match against Atalanta. Their participation in the crucial game in Italy remains dependent on final assessments.
Dortmund's strong position in the tie
Dortmund travels to Italy with a significant 2-0 lead from the first leg. The match is scheduled for Wednesday at 6:45 PM CET. A strong showing here would put them in contention for the Champions League Round of 16.
Looking ahead: bundesliga challenge
Following the Champions League fixture, Dortmund faces a high-stakes Bundesliga match against reigning champions Bayern Munich on Saturday. The team will need to manage player fatigue while preparing for both competitions. The result against Bayern will be critical in their pursuit of the league title.
Squad updates and key dates
- Match Date: Wednesday, February 24th, 2026, 6:45 PM CET
- Location: Atalanta Bergamo, Italy
- Previous Leg Score: Borussia Dortmund 2 - 0 Atalanta Bergamo
- Next Match: Bundesliga vs. Bayern Munich (Saturday)
Final squad decision pending
The final decision on whether Schlotterbeck and Can will be included in the matchday squad will be made shortly before the game. Dortmund will be closely monitoring their fitness levels to determine their availability. Fans will be eager to see if these important players can contribute to the team's quest for a Champions League spot.