Dortmund have odds against them

BUNDESLIGA leaders Borussia Dortmund’s preparations for the Uefa Champions League last 16 clash at Tottenham Hotspur today have been far from ideal.

First captain Marco Reus injured his thigh and then coach Lucien Favre was forced to miss last Saturday’s Bundesliga home game against Hoffenheim because of illness. The team threw away a threegoal lead to draw 3-3.

The young side remain top in the German top flight but the secondhalf capitulation against Hoffenheim was the first sign that pressure may be getting to them.

Favre is expected to be well enough to take his place on the bench for the first leg against Spurs at Wembley but Reus is set to miss out.

“Even if the manager is absent, we have to deliver out on the pitch,” forward Mario Goetze said.

Dortmund can at least console themselves with the fact that Spurs will also be missing top forwards Harry Kane and Dele Alli, while they themselves boast an Englishman in top form.

Jadon Sancho scored the opening goal and was electric against Hoffenheim. The 18-year-old is also no stranger to Wembley, having played there for England, and has done his homework on the previous group stage clashes between the sides last term.

“Last time we lost against Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, but I think we have improved this season. It could be a little bit harder for them this time. Some good players are missing out (and) we will try to take advantage of that,” he said.

Former England striker Tony Woodcock played in both countries and is intrigued to see a young English player plying his trade in the Bundesliga. Sancho left Manchester City with first-team chances limited because of a raft of foreign talent.

“This game will be very interesting, especially because Jadon Sancho plays for Dortmund and all eyes will be on him. The English media will be watching him closely,” the 63-year-old told the Funke media group. “In England, young players get few chances to play at clubs and develop. Despite this, most have stayed in England in recent years,” added Woodcock, who believes the financial rewards in the Premier League are the reason why few have followed Sancho’s path.

“That’s not easy. But Jadon Sancho is proving at Dortmund that making the move can be worthwhile. He is playing so well that it will pay off financially.”