Borussia Dortmund have been crying out for stability at the back—and now, at long last, reinforcements may be on the way. Ahead of their Bundesliga showdown with Mainz, head coach Niko Kovač has received a much-needed boost: German international Niklas Süle is edging closer to full fitness and has partially reintegrated into team training.
For weeks, the Black and Yellows have been forced to patch together a makeshift backline. With injuries piling up, Kovač leaned heavily on inexperienced youngster Filippo Mané, while versatile wing-back Julian Ryerson was pushed into an unfamiliar central role. Despite their resilience, Dortmund’s defense has been stretched thin, and fans have been waiting anxiously for the return of their defensive general.
Now, Süle’s comeback could not be more timely. Just two points separate Dortmund from Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, and every slip-up could prove costly in the title race. Kovač, however, is cautious. While Süle has resumed training, his match readiness will only be confirmed after Friday’s final session. Still, even the possibility of seeing the towering defender back in black and yellow has reignited optimism at Signal Iduna Park.
Kovač also delivered further updates on the squad’s condition. Young winger Julien Duranville remains sidelined in rehabilitation, while captain Emre Can is making steady progress toward recovery. Meanwhile, there’s a buzz around the club as new signing Fábio Silva, brought in for €22 million from Wolves this summer, could make his long-awaited debut in Dortmund colors. His addition would inject fresh attacking flair and give Kovač more firepower off the bench.
The stakes could hardly be higher. Mainz may not be a title contender, but for Dortmund, this clash is about momentum, confidence, and keeping pressure on Bayern Munich. With Süle on the verge of returning, Silva potentially making his debut, and the squad gradually healing, BVB are starting to look more like the balanced powerhouse Kovač envisioned.
