Borussia Dortmund will only have 14 or 15 outfield players available for the home game against TSG Hoffenheim on Saturday. In addition to the long-term absentees and Sebastian Kehl, the Black n Yellows will also be without Oliver Kirch and Marian Sarr, with Erik Durm rated as doubtful.

Sarr and in-form midfielder Kirch are both ill. Kirch, who has made five starting and two substitute appearances in the last 10 fixtures, is treated with antibiotics, while also suffering from an eye infection. With two weeks to go until the DFB Cup final, BVB coach Jürgen Klopp said that “we will not take any risks, and we will also not put players who are having a sore throat with a scarf on the bench.”

There is also good news for Klopp. Marcel Schmelzer has returned to full training and “Erik Durm is also in line to return to the squad.” Durm appears to have recovered from a groin problem. The fullback was not involved in Thursday’s training, but is expected to take part in the final session on Friday.

This would still leave the Dortmund coach with only 15 outfield players, but Klopp still made clear: “We are not going to select any players from the reserve team, but go into the game with Hoffenheim with these 15 players.”