It’s all or nothing for Dortmund as they are set to get the 2022/2023 campaign in full gear when they take on 1860 Munich in the DFB Pokal on Friday.

However, there are some huge concerns regarding the fitness issues of some players, while some are already looking to make their way back to full fitness.

The pre-season friendlies against the Spanish side Villareal saw players like Gregor Kobel and Mahmoud Dahoud miss out owing to minor injuries. Ahead of this game, in particular, Dortmund Sporting Director Sebastian Kehl has now revealed he is optimistic that both players will get fit and make a return ahead of the game in Munich.

In a recent conference with the club media, Director Kehl stressed that both players would be ready and fit for coming games.

“it was a deliberate act when we kept both players out of the team to avoid further risks. We believe this action was the best of the club doctors, and we will stick to that. Before Friday, hopefully, we will see both players in action”. He said.

With Kobel and Dahoud confirmed to make a return, other players might not make it in time for Erdin Terzic’s side. Reports have proved that Salih Özcan, who just joined, has suffered an injury in training, and he’s expected to be out for some weeks.

Tom Rothe is another player expected to miss the game as the talented left-back is currently nursing a muscular problem after sitting out against Valencia and Villareal.

The good news is that Emre Can and Gio Reyna are now back in the side training with the first team, but Friday’s game might come too early.

Written by: Akinnifesi Olumide