Leverkusen are "an opponent on our level"

The group of Black and Yellows in training has been manageable over the past two weeks – in some cases there were more coaches than players on the pitch in Dortmund-Brackel. Many BVB first teamers were away with their national teams, while others were injured. "It wasn't easy," said coach Marco Rose. "First we worked on a few things, then the lads had a couple of days off. Now the players are gradually coming back and as of Friday we will be preparing for Leverkusen." But not all of the Black and Yellow first team have yet returned to Dortmund, so on Wednesday the U23 players had to help out in training. In addition, not all the players returned from international duty unscathed and have added to the injury list. 

Thorgan Hazard is not yet back in team training – he is training on his own. He'll need a few more days, according to Rose. Emre Can and Nico Schulz are also still missing. 

Giovanni Reyna suffered a muscle injury with the US national team and will not be available for the next few games. According to Rose, Julian Brandt could come in to replace him: "Jule is feeling good, so he seems set for that. He was excellent in pre-season, then had to be quarantined, but he has another two weeks of training and games in his legs." 

Thomas Meunier also came back from the Belgian national team injured. It is questionable whether he will play on Saturday – a conversation with the defender and the team doctor are expected to shed more light on Thursday. Marco Reus suffered an injury while on duty with the German national team. "He received some treatment and we assume he will be able to play on Saturday," Rose said. 

Things are also looking better for Mats Hummels. The central defender has been back in team training for two days. "It's going well so far," the coach said. "We're talking and listening to the advice of the medical staff. He has not had much time in training and no pre-season. We need to gradually integrate him into the games and get him fit. We hope that he will soon be at 100 percent and will be available."

The coach has more options in defence thanks to the signing of Marin Pongracic, who joined BVB during the international break. "What's important is that he settles at this great club quickly. If he can tap into his potential, he is a player who can help Borussia Dortmund because he has excellent physical fitness, is very fast, is physically strong and is made to be a central defender for a team that wants to defend high." Pongracic could already be celebrating his debut in Black and Yellow against Leverkusen. 

The hosts are still unbeaten this season and are in second place after two victories (at home to Mönchengladbach and away against Augsburg) and one draw (away at Union Berlin). "They are our rivals in the fight for the Champions League places, an opponent on our level," Rose said. "Leverkusen are very aggressive without the ball. They try to win the ball quickly and are dangerous when switching the play. A strong team. We are looking forward to an intense match."
Christina Reinke

BVB-TV by 1&1: The press conference before the match against Bayer Leverkusen