Borussia Dortmund can count on top striker Serhou Guirassy for their Champions League match against Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday after he missed the weekend win over Mainz.
The 29-year-old had suffered a thigh injury but completed the final training session without any issues, coach Niko Kovač told a news conference on Tuesday.
“Everything was fine,” the boss stated.
“Serhou has scored many important goals for us. Nevertheless, I am pleased with the depth of the squad. Julian Brandt did a great job (on Saturday). It shows that the team is in sync.”
Guirassy had been a last-minute absence from the Bundesliga starting XI, but Dortmund secured a 2-0 victory anyway.
Winger Karim Adeyemi scored against Mainz and is increasingly seen as a go-to player for Dortmund after struggling to nail down a starting spot since his move from Red Bull Salzburg three years ago.
Kovač said he has frequent conversations with the Germany international, especially about defending.
“I think I talk to Karim the most because I am very, very convinced of his qualities. He has so much in him,” Kovač said.
“He needs to understand that football doesn’t only work in one direction but also in the other. I am constantly working on that with him.”
Media reports say Barcelona are interested in the 23-year-old but Dortmund’s coach wants him to stay.
“I see the progress he is making. As a coach, you are never satisfied, but I can definitely see he is going in the right direction,” Kovač added.
Meanwhile, Bilbao will be without their star player Nico Williams. The 23-year-old Spain international was not included in the squad for the match in Dortmund.
But Kovač, who is still without the injured Emre Can, is staying cautious.
“We expect a motivated and difficult opponent. But we’re playing at home and of course we want to win this game,” he said.
