Tuchel Tuchel could be without three key performers when Borussia Dortmund travel away to FC Bayern Munich on Saturday evening (18:30 CET). The involvement of Julian Weigl, Shinji Kagawa and Lukasz Piszczek is "very, very doubtful", while Marc Bartra may miss out too. Erik Durm, André Schürrle and Marco Reus all remain sidelined with injuries.

The good news is that team captain Marcel Schmelzer is back in the squad and may even feature in the starting XI. However, the coach will probably wait until Saturday to see whether he can call upon Marc Bartra, who picked up a back injury in the Ruhr derby, Julian Weigl, Shinji Kagawa (muscular problems sustained while on international duty with Japan), and Lukasz Piszczek, who has had "a lot of pain" since an incident towards the beginning of the Hamburg match. Tuchel added: "Our current personnel situation is very difficult. Of all those who may miss out, Marc Bartra seems to have the best chance."

Meanwhile, a date has not yet been set for Marco Reus' return from injury. "His absence is an immeasurable loss," admitted Tuchel. But while many in the Black and Yellow ranks will be hoping the striker returns to team training as soon as possible, it is important to use "a healthy dose of common sense" when weighing up when and to what extent Reus can return to action. Failing to do so "runs the risk of further injuries" said Tuchel. "And that doesn't help anyone." (br)