Borussia Dortmund handed Bensebaini boost as Schlotterbeck steps up recovery

Borussia Dortmund have received a fitness boost ahead of Saturday’s Bundesliga trip to Hoffenheim, with Ramy Bensebaini returning to team training for the first time since suffering a rib injury.

Bensebaini took part in Thursday’s session after previously being restricted to individual work. Head coach Niko Kovac said the training was relatively light and involved limited physical contact, but confirmed that the defender came through it without problems.

Dortmund will wait until Friday before deciding whether Bensebaini is ready to return to the squad against Hoffenheim.

The Algeria international suffered bruised ribs during the Super Cup defeat to Bayern Munich on August 22 and subsequently missed Dortmund’s Bundesliga opener against Hamburg. His return to group work represents an important step in his recovery, although Kovac stopped short of declaring him available for the weekend.

The Dortmund coach also provided a fresh update on Nico Schlotterbeck, who remains sidelined with an ankle problem.

Schlotterbeck has resumed exercises on the training pitch but is still working individually. Dortmund plan to gradually increase his workload over the coming days before beginning partial integration with the rest of the squad.

Kovac said he hopes the Germany international will be able to return to full team training within the next two weeks.

That timeline relates specifically to Schlotterbeck’s return to training rather than competitive action, with Dortmund yet to set a date for his match comeback.

The centre-back remains unavailable for Saturday’s game at Hoffenheim, but his progression back onto the pitch provides another positive development after an extended spell on the sidelines.

For Dortmund, the more immediate decision concerns Bensebaini. His condition will be assessed again before Kovac determines whether he can be included for the club’s first away fixture of the Bundesliga season.