Lainer set to rejoin training

With nine players away on international duty and a further seven injured, Adi Hütter only has a small group to work with during the international break.

The BORUSSIA-PARK training pitches are much quieter than usual this week. Alongside three goalkeepers, Adi Hütter only has Hannes Wolf, Lars Stindl, Manu Koné, László Bénes, Torben Müsel, Patrick Herrmann, Marcus Thuram, Alassane Plea and Keanan Bennetts to call upon from the first team. “Having so few players during the international break isn’t new for us. We will still do some good and intense training work with them,” said the Borussia head coach. Today’s 90-minute workout will be followed by two further sessions this week, on Thursday and Friday morning.

Nine players on international duty

There are currently nine players away with their respective countries: Matthias Ginter, Florian Neuhaus, Jonas Hofmann (all Germany), Yann Sommer, Denis Zakaria (both Switzerland), Joe Scally (USA), Ramy Bensebaini (Algeria), Luca Netz (Germany U21s) and Conor Noß (Ireland U21s). On top of that, the Foals are also missing Nico Elvedi (ankle), Breel Embolo, Jordan Beyer (both hamstring), Tony Jantschke (facial fractures), Christoph Kramer (thigh), Stefan Lainer (recovery following broken ankle) and Mamadou Doucouré (recovery following torn Achilles) due to injury.

Lainer set to return

The first of those that is expected to return to training soon is Lainer. The Austrian right-back has been training individually for the last two weeks and is set to take the next step in his recovery. “I’m looking forward to being back on the pitch with the lads soon,” said Lainer. He doesn’t want to make any predictions about when he will be back playing competitive football, however: “There’s no use in putting pressure on myself. I’m seeing how things go day by day and hope that I continue to make good progress with my recovery.”