adminBERLIN. — Borussia Dortmund are in the grip of an injury crisis coming into their home clash with Freiburg in the German Bundesliga today and with a Champions League soccer clash with Arsenal just around the corner.With Marco Reus, Nuri Sahin and Jakub Blaszczykowski among those already out, captain Mats Hummels struggling for fitness and Ciro Immobile a minor doubt, the last thing coach Jurgen Klopp needed was the news that Shinji Kagawa had to withdraw from training on Thursday with a groin problem.
Against Freiburg, the Japanese star is hoping to make his first appearance since returning to the Signal-Iduna Park following a disappointing spell at Manchester United.
Kagawa won two league titles in his first spell at the club between 2010 and 2012 and Klopp hopes to use the 25-year-old straight away.
“I have a good feeling that the atmosphere on Saturday and the joy of our supporters can spur him on,” Klopp said on Thursday, although he admitted that a place on the bench may be the best Kagawa can hope for.
There is a need to have Kagawa fit after Reus injured his ankle again in Germany’s Euro 2016 qualifying win over Scotland last Sunday, ruling him out for around four weeks, and after last season’s runners-up loaned Jonas Hofmann to Mainz.
“We can’t wait another couple of weeks,” said Klopp, whose side host Arsenal in Champions League Group D on Tuesday. “Shinji is already very important for us.” — AFP.
Online Reporter