Erling Haaland was pictured particpating in Borussia Dortmund’s training session today, despite the expectation that he won’t play against Rangers tomorrow.
The very talented Norwegian international front man has made a return to training but so far the signs have been that the Europa League knock-out round first leg has come too soon, however Giovanni van Bronckhorst is taking no chances.
👋 Tach auch!
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📺 Training LIVE: https://t.co/6im4GTXPZn pic.twitter.com/rtNUjBuFQv— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) February 16, 2022
When asked today if having not to face Haaland was a relief, the Dutch manager was very diplomatic as well as keeping his guard up:
“No doubt everyone recognises the talent he has, the player he is. He is one of the top strikers in the world.”
“For us, it’s also a case to prepare the game without him, Dortmund have been playing without him for weeks so, for me, it’s just a case of preparing the players for what opposition we will face and also the qualities of the players.”
“It looks like he won’t be in the squad tomorrow but if he is, we’re going to prepare as well if he was playing, but the quality he has, there is no doubt he’s a good player.”
🔄🔄🔄 pic.twitter.com/p3o1cRismQ
— Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) February 16, 2022
At the weekend, it was Dutch striker Donyell Malen who led the line for BVB against Union Berlin, ably assisted by Marco Reus and Julian Brandt – that is a formidable front three even if Rangers will be spared the additional significant threat of the Norwegian.
The defence has to be right on their game tomorrow night, if Rangers are to take home a scoreline to allow the tie to still be in contention next week at Ibrox.
James Tavernier will certainly play as will Connor Goldson. Leon Balogun isn’t fit and Filip Helander isn’t in the registered squad for this round, so it is most likely that Calvin Bassey will line-up at centre-half with Borna Barisic continuing at left-back.
With James Sands starting in the heart of defence against Annan last weekend, some might feel he is a better option with Bassey on the left flank, but that seems to have only an outside chance of happening.
The back line can give Rangers a platform to build from as chances will come against a side who although very talented, are not quite as assured as they should be in defence. The Scottish champions can only hope that tomorrow is another off night for the North-Rhine Westphalia club, in order to take full advantage.