Borussia Dortmund

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Kringe´s Back Problems Worry Van Marwijk

[9.11.] Borussia Dortmund has been trying to cope with the injuries of key players Sebastian Kehl and Christoph Metzelder for quite a while now. Since dislocating his shoulder in the Nürnberg match, Lars Ricken is not an alternative in offense anymore. So far, BVB coach Bert van Marwijk has not complained yet. But Philipp Degen´s recent muscle tear, coupled with the doubts about Florian Kringe´s availability in tomorrow´s match at Werder Bremen, worries the coach: "Now that would cause us some problems." There are very few alternatives for the right defender position...

Florian Kringe is doubtful for the Bremen match due to back problems. Sebastian Tyrala (L) could be an alternative.

Kosi Saka could be one alternative. The 20 year-old player of the BVB amateur team has played the position before in test matches with the professionals and has shown good performances. But Saka returned slightly injured from yesterday´s BVB II match at Werder´s second team (1-0 for BVB). "Marc Heitmeier could also jump in back there", says van Marwijk, "but he is also injured."

In the worst case scenario, so van Marwijk, Steven Pienaar or Sebastian Tyrala would have to fill in. Against Bremen´s midfield diamond, they would not have a direct opponent. "But this position is also very important when we have ball possession. And with Degen being out, we are missing an important player for the set-pieces. And I don´t have too many of those."

However, there is still some hope left that Florian Kringe can make it. "Positive thinking", says van Marwijk, hoping that some more medication will loosen up Kringe´s back muscles. Yesterday, Kringe "could not walk a single step anymore". Today, he didn´t participate in team practice and went to see the doctors instead.

Original article by Boris Rupert - translated by Chris Schuepp-

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