The morning training session ahead of a game usually serves as a “pre-warm-up”. On Tuesday, it will also be used for another purpose: three BVB players will have a final test, including Shinji Kagawa who has emerged as a doubt for the UEFA Champions League tie against Arsenal FC (kick-off: 2045 CET).

“On Saturday it only looked like he’s having a cramp,“ said Jürgen Klopp about the man who has attracted a lot of interest since  his return in a black and yellow shirt – Shinji Kagawa. On Monday, the Japanese only did some light training, and absolutely no kicking of the ball. Klopp said, “We didn’t want to put unnecessary strain on him.”

Given BVB’s extensive injury list that includes Hummels, Gündogan, Sahin, Kirch, Blaszczykowski and Reus, this news comes at a bad time, also because Klopp “could add another two names to it”. So, the Dortmund coach will be forced to improvise yet again: “I don’t have to think about who can play with whom but who can play at all.”

“These kind of niggles are not uncommon a day or two after a game“

But Klopp would not be Klopp if he would not have a glimmer of hope. “These kind of niggles are not uncommon a day or two after a game. We probably just need another night,” he said, adding: “After the pre-warm-up we’ll see who’s ready for it.” And who’s not - which would actually not alter his game plan much as he explained: “We want to be as uncomfortable an opponent as possible, play according to our most natural virtues, take some tactical measures to keep the opposition at bay and bring our qualities to the game.”

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Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who scored the winning goal in the 2-1 win at Arsenal last season, could be the one to do just that. “It’s always better to win than to score,” said the Armenian. Referring to the players not available, in particular Reus, he added: “It’s not the first game we have to play without one of our best player, not this and not last season. We will do everything we can to get a result.”

And that against an Arsenal team that – due to some smart signings in the summer and the return of key players - is a “completely new side” from the one BVB played in recent years – and that is now able to play the style of football Wenger wants them to play. Klopp said, “They now play with a lot of pace. We will be up against some quality team. The Champions League campaign is kicking off with a bang…”

Arsenal without Giroud and Monreal

Klopp’s opposite number also has some worries ahead of Tuesday’s night, though not as dramatic. Arsene Wenger will have to do without Giroud (striker) and Monreal (left-back) as well as the suspended centre-back Debuchy.