Borussia Dortmund boosted by return of four key players ahead of PSG Champions League clash

Donyell Malen returns from injury in time for the semi-final first leg while Ian Maatsen and Emre Can are back from suspensions

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Borussia Dortmund midfielder Marcel Sabitzer and forward Donyell Malen are likely to be fit in time for Wednesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg at home against Paris St Germain, coach Edin Terzic said on Tuesday.

Dortmund will have Emre Can and Ian Maatsen back from suspension while Sabitzer, who was out ill for several days, and Dutch international Malen, recovering from an injury picked up in last month’s international duty, have returned to training.

“Marcel and Donyell both took part in training. We expect that they will be at our disposal tomorrow,” said Terzic. “Marcel is feeling better and we need him in his form from before his illness tomorrow.”

Dortmund have struggled in the league this season and on Saturday suffered a crushing 4-1 loss to direct rivals RB Leipzig who held on to fourth place, leaving them in fifth with three matches remaining.

The top four teams qualify for the Champions League group stage next season.

Germany is likely to earn a fifth spot as one of the top two in UEFA’s coefficient table depending on the remaining results in European competition this season.

Dortmund’s deep Champions League run this season, however, has kept fans hopeful of some silverware. Dortmund, Champions League winners in 1997, also met PSG in the group stage. The French side won 2-0 in Paris before a 1-1 draw in Dortmund.

“You could sense in the return leg that we had learned the lessons from the first game,” Terzic said.

“Now PSG look to be at their very peak this season with only one defeat in 2024 and a good run of results. We will have to show an improved performance from that in Dortmund.”

“We are confident that will show it tomorrow and next week in Paris. The clear goal is to gain a small advantage after the game tomorrow. We know we have to play at least 180 minutes at the highest level to have any shot at our dream,” he said.

Reuters