Borussia Dortmund is at a pivotal moment in the current football season, as both team performance and player health are crucial to their ambitions. With Borussia Dortmund sitting at 11th place in the Bundesliga and looking to secure an Europa League spot, the team’s key players Daniel Svensson, Felix Nmecha, and Waldemar Anton are making headlines regarding their returns and upcoming contributions.
Recently, local news source Ruhr Nachrichten reported that both Svensson and Nmecha are positively progressing in their rehabilitations—potentially returning to game action sooner rather than later. Daniel Svensson, who fell victim to a brutal challenge during the Champions League first leg against Lille, suffered a medial knee ligament injury that has sidelined him for a significant portion of the season. Despite only having seven appearances for the club since joining on loan from Nordsjaelland in the winter transfer window, Svensson's return is highly anticipated by fans and coaching staff alike.
Currently, there is a chance that Svensson could be available for the match against Mainz on Sunday, March 30, 2025, wooing supporters with hope for his recovery. Meanwhile, Felix Nmecha, who has faced a challenging season due to injuries, is expected to make his return for upcoming matches against prominent teams, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. As Nmecha pushes to be incorporated back into the line-up, his contribution will be crucial as the team aims for a strong finish to the season.
In addition to the return of injured players, Dortmund’s coaching staff, including manager Niko Kovac, is contemplating strategic shifts as they gear up for the end-of-season push. On March 24, 2025, it was reported by Sky that the club's immediate goal of securing at least a Europa League spot is now essential given their 10-point gap from Champions League qualification. Niko Kovac must rally his squad to secure 24 points from the last eight games.
Under Kovac's leadership, key players such as goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and defenders Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck have shown promise. Kobel has stabilized defensively, with the team's goals conceded rate improving significantly under Kovac's guidance. The Swiss international, who has made 324 appearances in major leagues across Germany, England, and Italy, provides the kind of experience needed for pressure situations.
Schlotterbeck, praised for his consistency throughout the season, has notably improved while playing alongside Emre Can. The duo's solidification is expected to play a vital role in Dortmund's push for remaining league points as well. Meanwhile, Serhou Guirassy, the team's top scorer with 24 goals and seven assists in 36 games, is also instrumental to Kovac's plans.
With anticipation building around his team, Kovac is considering radical changes to the line-up, particularly regarding Waldemar Anton. Anton transitioned from VfB Stuttgart to Dortmund, yet has not lived up to substantial expectations thus far. On March 25, 2025, according to Sky reporter Patrick Berger, Kovac is contemplating fielding Anton as a defensive midfielder—a position where he has excelled in previous environments. This could serve as a tactical boon, particularly with injuries sidelining Marcel Sabitzer and Felix Nmecha.
Berger mentioned, “Kovac holds a lot of respect for Anton because he gives it his all during training, pushing himself to the limits,” indicating that the coach's decision could mark Anton's chance to impress in a crucial role as they look toward a game against Mainz.
Additionally, Kovac must consider balancing player workloads carefully as the matches pile up in the coming weeks. With critical fixtures against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals looming, the depth of the squad is imperative. Kovac must rely on both starting players and substitutes to step up under pressure.
This weekend, Dortmund will host third-placed Mainz, where they will look to secure a much-needed victory to galvanize team morale and momentum. The match is set to bring an unusual twist with a planned One Piece crossover, sparking additional excitement among fans.
BVB captain Emre Can has also made clear his ambitious intentions for the Club World Cup taking place in the USA, underlining their goal to win the tournament. Can emphasizes the importance of being well-prepared as they face formidable competition, especially with a potential clash against Inter Milan in the knockout stages.
“We will prepare well. Every team is going there to win. We first have to get through the group stage, then it’s step by step,” said Can, underlining the mindset that the team wants to take into the tournament.
With several pivotal matches on the horizon, fans are on the edge of their seats, eager to see how Dortmund will navigate through their current challenges. Will the return of injured players and strategic changes make the necessary impact? Only time will tell as Dortmund fights to reclaim their place as a contender in European football.
