In the absence of Robert Lewandowski and Julian Schieber, step forward Mario Götze and Marco Reus to lead the Dortmund attack against Gladbach
In the absence of Robert Lewandowski and Julian Schieber, step forward Mario Götze and Marco Reus to lead the Dortmund attack against Gladbach

Spotlight on Reus in return to breakthrough club

xwhatsappmailcopy-link

Mönchengladbach - With returning to his former stomping ground at Borussia Park on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 15:30 CET), the spotlight inevitably falls on the in-form Borussia Dortmund attacker, although he may be forced into an unfamiliar position.

Striker-less team

Suspensions to both Robert Lewandowski and Julian Schieber have shorn the visitors of their only recognised strikers, leaving coach Jürgen Klopp little choice but to push either Reus or further up the pitch.

The technically-gifted duo have played in more advanced positions for the Germany national team when Joachim Löw experimented with a striker-less system coined by world and European Champions Spain. Klopp is now set to follow suit as he searches for three more Bundesliga points. “I’m keeping all my options open,” said the coach. "Just don’t expect to see or in our attack”.

Wherever Reus ends up playing it is bound to be an emotional occasion for the 23-year-old, who returns to Borussia Park for the first time since re-joining his hometown club in the summer. Reus matured into a Bundesliga mainstay at Gladbach and his 18 goals for the Foals last term almost single-handedly helped them into the UEFA Champions League qualifying spot.

Dramatic turnaround


Indeed, Gladbach’s metamorphosis from a relegation-threatened club to one rubbing shoulders with the European elite owes much to Reus' talents, which is why he can expect a warm welcome on Sunday afternoon. “I’m looking forward to seeing Marco again,” said Gladbach boss Lucien Favre.

Gladbach winger Patrick Herrmann - who is suspended for this match - echoed that sentiment: “Everybody knows what he achieved for this club. The fans are grateful to him and nobody will be whistling. Marco's a top guy.” Gladbach's chances suffered a further blow with the news that playmaker Juan Arango will also miss out due to an ankle complaint.


Possible line-ups:

Gladbach: ter Stegen - Jantschke, Stranzl, Alvaro Dominguez, Wendt - Nordtveit, Marx, Cigerci - Hanke, de Jong, Arango

Dortmund: Weidenfeller - Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer - Bender, Kehl - Blaszczykowski, Gündogan, Reus - Götze