Now that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has returned from the African Nations Cup, Head Coach Thomas Tuchel has nearly a full squad to select his team from before the game on Sunday (17:30hrs) away to 1.FSV Mainz 05.

The Gabon international captained his team and after three draws they were knocked out of the competition. Tuchel said: "of course the disappointment was big. They thought they had an outside chance and they went out of the competition without losing a game." However the striker is looking forward to his next  challenge after his return to Dortmund. Aubameyang has joined in two intensive training sessions so far and Tuchel has already confirmed: "he will play tomorrow." However it is not certain yet whether he will be in the starting line-up or come on from the bench.

Getting the maximum from competition for places

Aubameyang definitely increases the options in attack. Tuchel explained: "as a head coach you are always happy when it is like this. This is a situation where we can get the best out of your players. This competition for places is great for us and it means we can reach the highest level." It is a totally different situation when you can train with more than 20 outfield players: "this situation increases your concentration, your awareness."

New signing Alexander Isak was also part of the squad in training, however he will not be in the match day squad as he has not been registered yet. He has left a good impression in the three training sessions that the 17 year old has taken part in so far with his new team mates. Tuchel: "he has adapated quickly on the pitch, that does not always go without saying." There is no time limit for his first appearance: "we will let him integrate and we will support him. We are very patient, but we won't procrastinate unnecessarily." Christina Reinke