Die Schwarzgelben get back into action this Saturday as they travel to face Hertha at Berlin's Olympiastadion. The international break came at an inopportune time for the the Dortmunders as they registered their first win of the Rückrunde defeating Werder Bremen at Westfalenstadion.
The race for the Bundesliga's final spot in the Europa League is wide open as the little village team, 1899 Hoffenheim, has went into a steep slide and turned 180º from its early highs. With nine match-days remaining BVB's schedule is possibly the most lenient of those in search of that spot but Jürgen Klopp's men have a brand new series of injuries from international play to contend with.
Saturday's match is going to push the boundaries of midfield as BVB will miss Tinga to suspension as well as doubtful situations of Kevin-Prince Boateng, Florian Kringe, Tamás Hajnal and Patrick Owomoyela. To complicate the situation Nuri Şahin returned from representing Turkey against Spain with a heavy gash on his hand but he is expected to be available. The only remaining option is Lee Young-Pyo who took part in Republic of Korea's World Cup qualifying efforts this past week. On the positive side Jakub "Kuba" Blaszczykowski is looking fully fit, taking part in Poland's remarkable 10-0 victory over St Marino and is expected to be in the starting eleven.