Nico Schlotterbeck © APA/afp / SASCHA SCHUERMANN

Surprise at BVB: Schlotterbeck close to comeback

Nico Schlotterbeck is back and is set to make his comeback on Saturday against SC Paderborn.

September 10, 2026

From: dpa/det

The 26-year-old central defender, who injured his ankle at the World Cup, survived the return to team training unscathed, as did his teammate Ramy Bensebaini.

"They are fit, healthy and completely ready for the weekend. That means I can count on them," said coach Niko Kovac on Thursday. "I'm very happy about that."

Schlotterbeck again an option for Klopp?

This could even make Schlotterbeck an option for new national coach Jürgen Klopp, who will announce his first squad for the national team next week. The center-back suffered a serious injury during the 2-1 World Cup group stage win against Ivory Coast. His return was originally expected no earlier than after the international break in a month.

Bensebaini missed the first games in the Bundesliga, the DFB Cup and the Champions League due to a rib contusion.