After greater than a 12 months, Gio Reyna has lastly began a recreation for Borussia Dortmund once more.
Quite a bit has modified for the staff and for the American attacking midfielder, who might be a invaluable participant for the United States at its house World Cup in 2026.
Reyna’s beginning function in Wednesday’s 3-2 loss to Barcelona was an indication he has a future with Dortmund, too.
Reyna did not make a huge impact in his 73 minutes on the sector in opposition to Barcelona however he did not appear misplaced, both. And regardless of the repeated accidents which have held again Reyna’s membership profession, he appeared match sufficient to maintain up.
“It was nice. Simply actually, actually pleased to be again on the sector. It is clearly once I’m happiest,” Reyna mentioned in a video interview launched by the membership early Thursday.
“[Coach Nuri Sahin] actually simply needed me to play my recreation and use my capacity on the ball and abilities to search out the ball in areas and get different guys concerned, and I really feel like I did a great job of that,” Reyna mentioned. “Actually simply pleased to be again on the market at this time. I simply need to take it and struggle for extra alternatives and look to actually enhance now.”
Since Reyna final began a Dortmund recreation on Nov. 1, 2023, he is had a largely disappointing mortgage at Nottingham Forest — whereas Dortmund reached the Champions League ultimate with out him — and a groin pressure which dominated him out of the primary 4 U.S. video games beneath new coach Mauricio Pochettino.
Reyna may now get extra alternatives for Dortmund instead of an injured Julian Brandt, beginning with Sunday’s recreation in opposition to Hoffenheim within the Bundesliga.
Alongside Reyna in a younger Dortmund assault on Wednesday had been the 20-year-old English winger Jamie Gittens — a standout with 9 targets this season — and the 18-year-old Julien Duranville, who was spectacular in his first begin of the season.
The issue for Dortmund is on the different finish of the sector.
Nico Schlotterbeck‘s severe-looking ankle damage within the final seconds of the sport left Dortmund with none match central defenders. Dropping Schlotterbeck could be a “complete meltdown,” coach Sahin instructed broadcaster DAZN on Wednesday.
Schlotterbeck was already being partnered with midfielder Emre Can in protection as a result of Niklas Süle is dominated out for months and Waldemar Anton‘s return from a muscle damage stays unclear.
Schlotterbeck suffered ligament harm however the membership did not give a timeframe on Thursday for his restoration, saying solely it was “questionable” he’d play once more earlier than the brand new 12 months.
The one optimistic for Dortmund might be that the staff has solely two video games till the 19-day winter break, which is able to start after enjoying Wolfsburg on Dec. 22.
