Berliner Tageblatt - Williams absence 'could help us', say Dortmund as Guirassy back against Athletic

Williams has been sidelined since picking up a groin injury with Spain against Turkey in early September and was left out of Athletic's 23-man squad for Wednesday's trip to Dortmund.

"Our information is that he took part in training this morning but is not in the squad and will not travel, which certainly won't be a disadvantage for us," Dortmund coach Niko Kovac said at a press conference on Tuesday.

"We've all seen the quality he has in the national team. He is a very strong player, a great player."

The 53-year-old manager praised Athletic's Basque-only policy, saying players were extra motivated by "local patriotism".

"The result (of the policy) is clear to see. Every individual who plays for his region gives everything, like playing for your street when we were young.

"They'll give everything, not just for their club colours, but to represent the Basque Country."

Dortmund welcome back striker Guirassy, who sat out Saturday's Bundesliga match at Mainz, having injured his thigh in the warm-up.

Kovac said Guirassy was "ready to play", adding "I don't expect any surprises tomorrow".

Equal top scorer with Barcelona's Raphinha with 13 goals in the 2024-25 Champions League season, Guirassy already has five goals in six appearances in all competitions this season.

J.Fankhauser--BTB