Borussia Dortmund Interim -Baas Mike Tullberg has said that midfielder Felix Nmecha will be out for a few weeks with an injury prior to the Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Nmecha was forced on Saturday with the injury in the 12th minute of their 2-2 draw with Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga on Saturday.
The 24-year-old Germany International scored three goals and created two assists in 27 performances for Dortmund this season.
The Bundesliga side has also recalled Turkey defensive midfielder Salih Ozcan from his loan period in Wolfsburg to help cover for Nmecha.
Tullberg, who after the departure of Nuri Sahin took the lead after their 2-1 Champions League defeat in Bologna last week, also confirmed that Center-back Waldemar Anton and striker Serhou Guirassy will be available for the last competition phase.
Guirassy has been directly involved in nine goals in seven Champions League matches for Dortmund this season, with seven goals and two assists.
He also scored or helped with each of his five home Champions League performances in his career, without no player having a goal or assistant for each of their first six home games in the competition.
Last year finalists are 14th in the Champions League table with four wins and three losses in seven games.
Their chances of direct access to the last 16 are slim, but they have already booked a play-off place.
Salih Özcan returns from Wolfsburg.
Borussia Dortmund has recalled midfielder Salih Özcan from his loan in VFL Wolfsburg to tackle the absence of Felix Nmecha due to injury. The Turkish international had joined Wolfsburg last summer. pic.twitter.com/asqaw2GJ2M
– Borussia Dortmund (@blackyellow) January 28, 2025
After the defeat against Bologna, Dortmund fired their losing run to four games in all games with former youth team coach Tullberg for his first Champions League match as a manager.
“I am grateful for the trust and have worked here for six years in different roles. I enjoy every day and try to give my best in every position,” said 39-year-old Dane.
“I am Dortmund through and through – not only since I am an interim coach but also in my previous roles … I can judge myself and the situation well. It will not be difficult for me to go aside [when a new coach comes around]. “
Visitors Shakhtar are now 27th in the 36-team table with seven points after four losses, two wins and a draw, but can still make the play-offs.
“We will adjust a few small things. If the other things are good, the chance that we win the game is very high,” Tullberg said.
“Shakhtar is very strong in possession. But it is more about bringing our strengths to the field.”
Dortmund is unbeaten in four earlier meetings with Shakhtar in European competition (W3 D1) – the most recent eliminating of the Ukrainians of the Champions League 2012-13 in the last 16.
The top eight teams from the competition phase qualify directly for the last 16, while those who finish ninth to 24th in the play -offs to be played next month.
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