Borussia Dortmund have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their UCL play-off game vs Atalanta as two of their best defenders will miss the game. 

Borussia Dortmund’s Champions League knockout phase play-off against Atalanta just got a whole lot tougher. Dortmund have been hit with a double injury blow, with Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle ruled out of Tuesday’s clash.

Schlotterbeck, who missed Dortmund’s 4-0 win over Mainz last Friday due to suspension, has been sidelined with muscular problems, while Süle has been ruled out with a thigh injury.

This adds to Dortmund’s defensive woes, with captain Emre Can and centre-back Filippo Mané already out.

Dortmund’s UCL campaign didn’t start off great but the team managed to pull themselves together, reaching the knockout phase after back-to-back losses against Tottenham and Inter saw them fall freely down the league table.

Although they have managed to make it to the playoffs, passing the playoffs is another ball game. They’ll need to overcome this injury setback if they want to progress to the last 16.

Atalanta, on the other hand, finished higher in the league phase and will be looking to capitalize on Dortmund’s defensive frailties.

Dortmund’s manager Niko Kovac will have to get creative with his lineup, potentially relying on youngster Luca Reggiani, who replaced Süle against Mainz. Meanwhile, Atalanta will be without key man Charles De Ketelaere, who is injured.

Despite the injury woes, Dortmund remains a formidable force, with Serhou Guirassy leading the charge up front. The team’s recent form has been impressive, with six consecutive Bundesliga wins.

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— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) February 15, 2026

As Dortmund prepares to face Atalanta, they’ll be hoping to overcome their defensive struggles and secure a crucial win in the first leg of the playoff.