The first international break of 2025 has arrived, bringing both excitement and concern for Borussia Dortmund and its fans. With key players being called up for national duties and injuries sidelining others, the club faces significant challenges as it prepares for the fixtures ahead.
German national team coach Julian Nagelsmann has selected three players from Borussia Dortmund for the Nations League double-header against Italy. Central defender Nico Schlotterbeck, midfielder Pascal Groß, and forward Karim Adeyemi have all received the nod. This marks Adeyemi's first call-up since the 2022 World Cup, where he remained on the bench through three matches without making an appearance. Should Adeyemi see any time on the pitch during the upcoming games, it would be his first since June 11, 2024, when he played against Hungary.
Schlotterbeck enters this round with 18 national caps to his name, closely followed by Groß with 12 appearances, and Adeyemi, who has four. Their involvement is particularly anticipated as Germany faces Italy for the quarter-finals of the Nations League—a notable stage, as this is the first time the tournament has included quarter-finals. The first leg is set for March 20, 2025, at 20:45 CET, promising to be both thrilling and pivotal for the national side.
On the domestic front, Borussia Dortmund suffered a setback recently with the loss against RB Leipzig, which was compounded by the injury of Austrian midfielder Marcel Sabitzer. Sabitzer left the match after just 30 minutes, following what was described as an awkward collision leading to knee damage. While initial assessments by renowned journalist Patrick Berger suggest the injury does not appear to be severe, it will require Sabitzer to undergo rehabilitation training for the next four weeks.
This timeline means Sabitzer is likely to miss both legs of Dortmund’s upcoming UEFA Champions League quarterfinal against Barcelona, as well as important Bundesliga clashes with Mainz and Bayern Munich. His absence also affects Austria's participation in the upcoming Nations League matches, forcing the national team to adjust without one of its significant players.
Despite Sabitzer’s underwhelming contributions this season—having made 23 appearances without scoring or assisting—his role under coach Niko Kovac has been fundamental as he started nine out of ten matches. The team’s performance has been shaky, having won only two of their first six Bundesliga fixtures this season, creating uncertainty about Kovac’s future as manager if results do not improve.
One glimmer of hope for Dortmund fans is the expected return of Felix Nmecha following the international break. Nmecha’s return could provide much-needed depth and fresh energy to a side struggling to find its rhythm. With so much at stake, the international break may also serve as the necessary recovery period for the team, allowing players to regroup and strategize for the tough series of matches awaiting them.
Overall, this international break sets the stage for significant developments within Borussia Dortmund, both on the international level with national team call-ups and on the home front as the Bundesliga side struggles to regain momentum. The upcoming fixtures will not only test the depth of the squad but also determine how well they can navigate through the challenges posed by injuries and their overall performance under pressure. Only time will tell if this break will serve as the turning point for Dortmund as they aim for success both domestically and in Europe.
