""We currently have four injured centre-backs. We don't want to take any risks with [Nico] Schlotterbeck, so he's not an option," Kovac added. "It's a coach's job to find solutions and be creative. We have several options there - or we can change the system. I trust everyone who can play in that position. "Julian [Ryerson] has played in central defence against Juventus, and Salih [Ozcan] could also be deployed there.""
"BVB welcome the Serie A side to Westfalenstadion on Tuesday, but will be without two key members of the defensive unit that has helped them up to second in the Bundesliga. Dortmund boss Kovac explained Schlotterbeck was nursing muscular problems and would not be risked, while a thigh issue has ruled Sule out of contention. It is a huge blow for BVB, who are also without the experienced Emre Can and youngster Filippo Mane, who are both out with respective injury issues."
Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Sule will be absent for Borussia Dortmund's Champions League first-leg play-off against Atalanta due to muscular and thigh injuries, respectively. Emre Can and Filippo Mane also remain unavailable with injury issues, leaving multiple gaps in central defence. Luca Reggiani, who replaced Sule in the 4-0 win over Mainz, represents one option, while Julian Ryerson and Salih Ozcan could be deployed in central defence or the system could be altered. Dortmund finished 17th in the group stage and enter the play-off unseeded. Historical context: Dortmund beat Atalanta 4-3 on aggregate in 2018 and have one win in their last seven Champions League matches versus Italian opposition.
Read at Soccer News
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