Borussia Dortmund head coach Nico Kovac says Nico Schlotterbeck could return to full team training within the next one or two weeks as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference before Dortmund’s Bundesliga away game against Hoffenheim, Kovac offered a cautious timetable for the defender’s possible return to competitive action.
“I hope – I can’t guarantee it – that we can have him participate fully in training in the next one or two weeks. If so, he will also be an option.”
Schlotterbeck resumed work at Dortmund’s training ground this week after suffering the ankle injury. He has now touched the ball for the first time since the setback, although his work remains limited to individual exercises.
Kovac said the 25-year-old is not yet training alongside teammates or taking part in sessions involving opponents.
“Schlotty is already training on the field, of course, all individually, without opponents or teammates yet.”
The defender’s workload is expected to increase gradually over the coming days, with Dortmund determined to manage his return carefully. Kovac stressed that the club’s priority was to bring Schlotterbeck back as quickly as possible without risking a further setback.
“Of course, the goal is for Schlotty to return as soon as possible, but there must be no more relapses. We want to avoid that. Therefore, we will be very careful in helping him recover.”
Kovac’s comments mean Schlotterbeck could become an option for Dortmund once he has completed a full period of team training, provided his recovery continues without complications. The coach, however, made clear that the one-to-two-week timeframe is an hope rather than a guarantee.
For now, Schlotterbeck remains in the rehabilitation phase, working alone on the training field and gradually increasing his involvement. His progress will be monitored before Dortmund consider including him in collective sessions or selecting him for a match.
The next stage of his recovery will therefore focus on joining team training, where he can begin working with teammates and facing opponents again. Only after that process has been completed will he be considered a possible option, in line with Kovac’s cautious approach.
The update came before Dortmund’s Bundesliga trip to Hoffenheim, with the club continuing to wait for Schlotterbeck’s full return. The defender’s recovery has advanced to ball work, but the coaching staff are determined to avoid further relapses by increasing the demands on him step by step.
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