Kovac issues squad update ahead of Bochum fixture | OneFootball

Borussia Dortmund’s recently installed head coach Niko Kovac has shed some light on his squad’s fitness ahead of the derby duel with VfL Bochum.

Julian Ryerson, who picked up a red card last weekend against VfB Stuttgart is suspended. Meanwhile Ramy Bensebaini, who did not travel to Lisbon midweek with a muscle strain, will be unavailable.

Chelsea loanee Carney Chukwuemeka continues to suffer from knee issues despite a short cameo off the bench in the Portuguese capital last Wednesday.

Die Schwarzgelben’s head coach made no pretence regarding the Ruhrpott derby clash with Bochum, stating his players must accept a fight and duels if they are to leave the Ruhrstadion with three points.

The 53-year-old hinted at his side potentially setting up with a three-man backline on Saturday afternoon.

“Our team is capable of playing in a three- or four-man defence. We are very variable, also in the way we build up in the game. We need flexibility,” said Kovac.

Finally, Belgian youngster Julien Duranville received a special mention from the head coach who underlined his talent.

“We think very highly of Juju. He got minutes against Stuttgart and [Sporting] Lisbon. We need his qualities that’s clear.