BERLIN (Reuters) – Borussia Dortmund forward Sebastien Haller is expected to feature again in their Bundesliga match at Mainz 05 on Wednesday, with the fit-again Ivorian’s goals needed to improve their away record in the league.
Coach Edin Terzic said Haller, who received treatment and underwent surgeries for testicular cancer that was diagnosed back in July, made his competitive Dortmund debut in their 4-3 win on Sunday over Augsburg as a second half substitute.
But with captain Marco Reus still unfit and doubtful for Wednesday and playmaker Jude Bellingham out with a suspension, Haller is likely to be called up even earlier against Mainz.
“We are taking it day by day,” Terzic told a news conference on Tuesday. “And it is getting better every day.
“He has found his rhythm and we expect that we will gradually increase the load. We are certain that he will also play an important role tomorrow.”
Dortmund, who face Chelsea in the Champions League last 16 on Feb. 15, have been struggling away from home in recent months in the Bundesliga.
After winning their first two away games of the season they have since managed just one more win in their next six matches on the road in the league.
Dortmund are currently in sixth place in the Bundesliga following their season restart win over Augsburg, on 28 points, seven off leaders Bayern Munich.
“We know this is an issue. But when you look at the German Cup or the Champions League there have been some successful away games,” Terzic said.
“But these are obviously things that we are discussing with the team and the staff. We need to start picking up points on the road. That’s the case for tomorrow as well.”
(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
