Borussia Dortmund are set to be without injured players Pascal Gross and Maximilian Beier for their Bundesliga clash against Hoffenheim this Saturday, according to coach Niko Kovac’s remarks on Thursday.
Currently sitting in seventh place with only four matches remaining, Dortmund are keen to secure a top-four finish to guarantee a Champions League berth for the upcoming season.
The team has managed to win three out of their last four league games and held Bayern Munich to a draw as they strive to recover from earlier setbacks this season.
“Gross is dealing with knee ligament issues,” Kovac explained during a press conference in Dortmund. “I still hold out some hope, but to be honest, I don’t believe he will make it.“
“Maxi is in a similar situation. He missed training and while he can walk, running causes him pain. However, I haven’t completely given up on him either. We obviously won’t be taking any risks.“
Both players sustained their injuries during last week’s 3-2 victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach but are anticipated to return sooner rather than later.
Dortmund currently sit on 45 points in seventh place, while Eintracht Frankfurt, positioned third with 52 points, will host fourth-placed RB Leipzig (49 points) on Saturday. Freiburg, in fifth with 48 points, will travel to face Wolfsburg, whereas Mainz 05, currently sixth with 47 points, are set to play Bayern Munich.
“The end of the season is fast approaching. My impression is that every player wants to be involved during these crucial times, willing to push through any discomfort.” Kovac remarked.
“I’m pleased to see that the players understand the situation. Everyone is aware of the table and what’s at stake, and it’s crucial for each of us to step up our focus,” he continued.
“It’s pointless to consider what might happen on May 17 (the season finale). We need to concentrate on our tasks and focus solely on the next match. We can’t afford to look at the teams ahead of us; we must keep winning to apply pressure on them.“
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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