Injury problems mean Borussia Dortmund will be without a handful of key performers when they face AS Monaco on Tuesday evening. "We're missing a few players but I have absolutely no concerns," reassured head coach Lucien Favre.

Boris Rupert reporting from Monaco

Before Abdou Diallo could begin an interview marathon that involved a press conference and a TV interview with the streaming service DAZN, who have exclusive rights to the Champions League clash against AS Monaco, the Borussia Dortmund defender met a club employee he used to know. The pair enjoyed a friendly chat that Lucien Favre eventually had to cut short. "Abdou, we're starting," stated the coach in a manner that was as charming as it was energetic. For Diallo, returning to Monaco represents a journey back in time. He joined the principality club as a 15-year-old in 2011, spending three years and making his first 10 professional appearances there.

"It's a very special situation for me," said the 22-year-old at the pre-match press conference. "I lived and played in Monaco for three years. I know a great deal of people here. Even in this room, I recognise a large number of familiar faces." Once the press conference was over, many of those familiar faces were given a warm embrace.

There was time to talk about football too. "The objective is to deliver the best-possible performance – and to win," said Diallo ahead of the Matchday 6 meeting with AS Monaco on Tuesday evening (kick-off 21:00 CET, live on DAZN).

"We'll have a good team!"

"Even though we have a few players missing, we'll have a good team tomorrow. I have absolutely no concerns whatsoever," reassured Lucien Favre, before adding: "The objective is to put in a very good performance. We want to win and are concentrating exclusively on our performance. If we win tomorrow, we might be able to finish top of the group. We know that we're still in with a chance."

If that is to happen, BVB need Club Bruges to avoid defeat against Atlético Madrid.