Borussia Dortmund is set to kick off their DFB-Pokal campaign this Tuesday, facing HEBC Hamburg, a team currently competing in the fifth tier of German football. The Bundesliga powerhouse approaches this cup fixture in strong form, having secured a convincing 2-0 victory against Hamburger SV at Signal Iduna Park to start their league season last weekend. This win was highlighted by goals from Serhou Guirassy and Giannis Konstantelias, who is now unfortunately sidelined due to injury. The team's preseason also included a narrow 2-1 defeat to Bayern Munich in the Franz Beckenbauer Supercup, alongside notable friendly wins, such as a 3-2 triumph over Arsenal.
Coach Niko Kovac plans to implement extensive squad changes for the rescheduled DFB-Pokal match at the Volksparkstadion. Reserve goalkeeper Alex Meyer has been confirmed in the starting lineup, allowing first-choice keeper Gregor Kobel a rest. This selection is particularly meaningful for Meyer, who originates from the Hamburg area, making it a homecoming for him. Despite this, Dortmund's roster is stretched by several key absences due to injuries. Giannis Konstantelias, a significant summer acquisition, faces an extended period on the sidelines after tearing his ACL during his debut last weekend. He joins Emre Can and Nico Schlotterbeck, who is recovering from an ankle injury, on the unavailable list. Additionally, full-back Ramy Bensebaini is highly unlikely to participate due to a persistent rib issue. However, there's positive news with Samuele Inacio being fully fit and eligible, as his recent domestic red-card suspension only applies to Bundesliga games. New recruits Joey Veerman and Kaua Prates are expected to make their first starts, with academy talents Luca Reggiani and Filippo Mane also poised to begin the match. The game is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1st, with a 7:45 PM BST kickoff, and fans can stream it live via a web browser or the DFB Play app.
This upcoming DFB-Pokal encounter offers Borussia Dortmund an excellent opportunity to integrate new talent and provide valuable playing time to squad members, showcasing the depth and potential within their ranks. Despite the challenges posed by injuries, the team's ability to adapt and perform reinforces their competitive spirit and commitment to success across all competitions. It's a chance for emerging players to shine and demonstrate their capabilities on a significant stage, contributing to the team's overall strength and future prospects.
