There are 18 matches still to be played when Bundesliga action resumes after the winter break. With 54 points still up for grabs, sixth-placed Borussia Dortmund are ready to embark on a catch-up mission, despite the ongoing personnel problems.

Roman Bürki will not return to competitive action until next weekend's trip to Mainz, according to Thomas Tuchel, while Sven Bender – an important stabilising figure – will be sidelined for the first few games of the New Year with an ankle injury and top-scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is representing Gabon at the African Cup of Nations (the West African country have picked up draws in both of their opening group games with Aubameyang scoring in each). But these central and vitally important figures aside, BVB will "only" be without Emre Mor, Nuri Sahin and Neven Subotic in Bremen – if Sokratis and Ousmane Dembélé come through today's final training session unscathed and are able to feature. If not, the pair should be fit for action in Mainz next weekend.

"We have all the essential elements"

"We feel ready to perform in the way that will be necessary. We have all the essential elements in order to defend and attack properly," said Thomas Tuchel ahead of the restart in Bremen. The coach is expecting "an emotional encounter, a passionate opponent and a passionate crowd" and underlined Bremen's "great individual quality in attack", warning: "I always enjoy going to Bremen but I'm also aware of how hard it is to win there."

The statistics are certainly in BVB's favour, though. The Black and Yellows have won four of their last five trips Bremen and another victory would send a strong message. However, Tuchel is thinking long-term: "With 18 games left we have plenty of time to close the gap and start our catch-up mission. One thing is for sure after such a break: no-one knows exactly where they stand. We will be tested tomorrow and we need to prove ourselves."
Boris Rupert

The line-ups: Here's how they might line up
Personnel matters: Hopes for Sokratis und Dembélé
Statistics: Strong run against Werder