Borussia Dortmund return from the international break with a familiar concern at wing-back. Julian Ryerson has left Norway duty early after taking a blow to the ribs, leaving Niko Kovac with limited cover before Friday’s home match against Werder Bremen.
Ryerson went off after 66 minutes against Portugal last Sunday, then lasted only around 15 minutes in Wales a few days later. Norway coach Staale Solbakken said the Dortmund player had been hit in one of the opening challenges. The injury is not expected to keep him out for a long spell, but his availability against Bremen remains uncertain.
That matters because Ryerson has few direct alternatives. He has not yet matched the 12 Bundesliga assists he produced in the first half of 2026, but remains one of Dortmund’s most reliable runners and drivers from the right. His willingness to play through discomfort has long been part of his character: at 13, he completed eight matches in one week for Lyngdal IL despite a training injury, later learning that he had three broken bones in his foot.
Kovac faces another selection puzzle
Daniel Svensson, Ramy Bensebaini and teenager Kaua Prates are the other specialist full-backs in the squad. Bensebaini is also an option in the back three, while Prates has little senior experience. Kovac has used Maximilian Beier in a wider defensive role, and Konstantinos Karetsas recently performed a comparable job for Greece, but neither represents a straightforward replacement for Ryerson.
The defensive group is further stretched by the international schedule. Bensebaini and centre-back Joane Gadou are both due to play on Tuesday evening. Nico Schlotterbeck has already returned from Germany duty with an injury.
Dortmund had considered adding a young wing-back late in the summer window, with Polish prospect Marcel Regula ready to join. Giannis Konstantelias’ injury changed the priority, however, and Dortmund brought in Ethan Nwaneri for the No. 10 role instead.
Svensson offers Kovac one stable option. The Sweden international is set to play in Romania on Monday, but has become a trusted figure on the left. His game is less about spectacular attacking output than positioning, work rate and intelligent defending. Sweden coach Graham Potter recently described Svensson as a player who can adapt wherever he is deployed and still bring his strengths to the team.
For Dortmund, that versatility may be required again against Bremen. Ryerson’s fitness will determine how much reshuffling Kovac must do.
