Marcel Sabitzer returns to the Borussia Dortmund squad ahead of their Bundesliga game against Stuttgart in the Topspiel. The Austrian is expected to start alongside Emre Can after serving a two-game suspension after being sent off against Werder Bremen.
Gregor Kobel is also expected to return after missing four of Dortmund’s last five Bundesliga games through a muscular problem and then an illness. The Swiss’ return in goal a huge boost for Die Schwarzgelben as they look to strengthen their grip on fourth.
Donyell Malen was absent from Dortmund training on Thursday as he recovers from a thigh problem picked up on international duty. If fit, the Dutchman could start, but Karim Adeyemi, who scored the opening goal in BVB’s 2-0 Klassiker win against Bayern Munich, also remains an option for Edin Terzic.
Niclas Füllkrug is also Dortmund’s go-to player to lead the attack, which leaves Sébastien Haller and Youssoufa Moukoko frustrated figures with lack of playing time. The trio are crucial to Dortmund’s squad, but there could be a shake-up in the summer.
Predicted Borussia Dortmund XI vs Stuttgart
Gregor Kobel – Julian Ryerson, Mats Hummels, Nico Schlotterbeck, Ian Maatsen – Emre Can, Marcel Sabitzer – Donyell Malen, Julian Brandt, Jadon Sancho – Niclas Füllkrug.
GGFN | Daniel Pinder