Stage Image Alternative Text

Pre-Match Report

Will he play? Kovac sets the record straight on Guirassy

Borussia Dortmund will face SV Elversberg on Saturday afternoon (3:30 p.m.) for Matchday 9 of the Bundesliga. BVB will have to do without striker Serhou Guirassy, as head coach Niko Kovac confirmed on Friday afternoon. 

Serhou Guirassy suffered a right thigh strain last Wednesday during the 2-1 home win against Real Betis in the UEFA Champions League. He had to be substituted in the first half and was replaced by Konstantinos Karetsas, who went on to score the winning goal. 

BVB head coach Niko Kovac confirmed at Friday’s press conference that the center forward will not be in the lineup against SV Elversberg: “Serhou has a strain; he won’t be able to play tomorrow.”

Due to the 30-year-old’s injury, he may also be unable to join the Guinean national team on their trip. Kovac added: “We’ll see how we handle this over the next few days. We’re in close communication with the federation. It looks like he won’t be traveling and will stay here. But we’ll discuss that further with the federation.” 

It is not yet clear how long Guirassy will be sidelined. The Borussia Dortmund striker has appeared in 14 competitive matches so far this season, scoring eight goals.

Marcel Sabitzer, on the other hand, is set to return to the squad. The midfielder, who was the match-winner in the DFB-Pokal last week with his direct free kick against Werder Bremen, was recently sidelined in the Champions League due to illness. 

Emre Can, Giannis Konstantelias (both with torn cruciate ligaments), and Justin Lerma (muscle injury) will continue to be sidelined.

More News