Borussia Dortmund have received a significant advantage ahead of tonight’s UEFA Champions League (UCL) knockout phase playoff second leg against Sporting CP, as the Portuguese outfit has confirmed that their key forward Viktor Gyokeres (26) will miss the match.
Gyokeres was in the starting lineup during his team’s 2-2 draw against Arouca in the Liga Portugal over the weekend.
This led to speculation that he would spearhead Sporting’s attack for the second leg, having only played 30 minutes in the 3-0 defeat in the first leg while recovering from a thigh injury.
However, despite being included in the official matchday squad for the encounter in Dortmund, the Lisbon club have now announced that he will not be participating.
As detailed on the UCL website, Sporting clarified that both he and Francisco Trincao are absent due to a “physical management measure.”
The choice to withhold Swedish international Gyokeres suggests that Rui Borges’ primary aim this season is to defend their title in the Portuguese league where they currently sit atop the table, holding a two-point advantage over Benfica.
Similar to the first leg, the Green & Whites are expected to rely on Conrad Harder as their forward option.
The Danish striker has netted once in this season’s UCL, scoring against Bologna during the conclusion of the league phase.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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