Borussia Dortmund will have to cope with the absences of Dan-Axel Zagadou (bruised foot), Manuel Akanji and Abdou Diallo for the last match of the year on Friday (20.30 CET) against Borussia Monchengladbach.

The mounting injury list means that the only specialised central defender available is Ömer Toprak. As to how the gap will be filled? ''We're not sure at the moment,'' said Lucien Favre on Wednesday afternoon.   

Akanji suffered a muscle fibre tear during Tuesday's match away to Fortuna Düsseldorf (2-1 to the home side). The medical staff suspect that Diallo is carrying a similar injury. Even if these concerns do not turn out to be true, there is still no chance Diallo will be able to play on Friday. ''I can't say anything more,'' said Favre: ''We're thinking things over...'' (br)