"Marco Reus will play in the friendly against Sparta Rotterdam on Monday," says Sebastian Kehl, head of the licensed player division. The game will also be used to give Mahmoud Dahoud and new signing Reinier match practice. How pre-season is going and the injury to Dan-Axel Zagadou were further topics addressed during the media roundup.

Sebastian Kehl on Marco Reus:
"He has been training very well over the past two or three weeks. Having had a difficult time in the summer, he is making a positive impression at the moment. He will play in the friendly against Rotterdam on Monday. Of course, we are delighted because our captain has been out for a long time. He is happy to be back on the pitch with the team. He can do it all, but will still have play catch-up for a few more training sessions. That's normal after such a long time." 

… the return after injuries:
"With Marco there were lots of ups and downs – we tried a lot of things. Sometimes with injury it doesn’t always go one way and things also take time. We had to take that time. We would have liked to have him with us earlier – even last season. But the key thing for us and him will be that he stays healthy, has fun, can train properly and that he can get back into the stadium."

… how pre-season is going: 
"A week ago, we had the friendlies against Paderborn and Bochum with the national players still with us, then the team was broken up. It is good that some of the players can get some match practice with the national team. In the past few days, we have been working well here, with two sessions both yesterday and today. We will be training this weekend, then the friendly is on Monday. We're trying to use this time. Reinier and Mo Dahoud will also play against Rotterdam. The squad is slowly filling back up. Hopefully everyone will come back healthy from the national teams, and we will be very well prepared for the DFB Cup match a week later in Duisburg. We're glad it's finally getting underway."

… the results in the friendlies:
"We're still preparing for the season. We know that hard training sessions sometimes take their toll on the legs and the head also plays a role. But that must not be an excuse. I think a few of the lads need to step it up. They know that too – we have discussed it. But I think you will see a different side to the team on Monday and a week later. We need the players fit for the season – we have a long season ahead of us. You should not overestimate the importance of one friendly or another."

… Dan-Axel Zagadou:
"He's still struggling with a knee injury and will be out for a little while longer. It's annoying that the lateral ligament injury is keeping him out. It's difficult to say exactly, but it will take a few weeks."

Recorded by Christina Reinke