Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen currently feel right at home in the role of the hunter – but at least one series will snap on Sunday.

Two hard-fought victories celebrated, the Champions League places close at hand – and now the captain is also back on board: After the perfect start to the new year, the imminent return of Marco Reus puts Edin Terzic in an even better mood. “We are happy with the situation that we have to make tough decisions,” said the coach of Bundesliga football club Borussia Dortmund in view of the large selection of personnel for the tough guest game at Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday (17:30/DAZN).

The tricky duel with Leverkusen, who have recently won five in a row, has a groundbreaking character for Terzic. “On Monday we will know where the road leads. Either we are in the middle of it or we have to fight our way back up,” said the 40-year-old.

The narrow victories against Augsburg (4:3) and in Mainz (2:1) mean that BVB, in fifth place, are at least back within striking distance of the coveted places for the top flight – and the gap to leaders Bayern Munich has also narrowed from nine to five points. “We have got to where we want to be,” said Terzic.

Now the runners-up want to follow up, but Leverkusen are in the middle of an impressive recovery after their false start thanks to their winning streak. “We know about the quality of Leverkusen. They have stabilised a lot under Xabi Alonso. They concede few goals,” said Terzic full of respect.

So the return of Reus, who has been ill lately, comes at the right time. “I am very confident that he will be available on Sunday,” said Terzic. Reus, like Sebastien Haller, will probably sit on the bench for the time being.

But the battle for the regular spots is intensifying. Giovanni Reyna is pushing for the starting eleven after scoring the winning goals as a wild card against Augsburg and Mainz, and Jude Bellingham is returning after serving a yellow ban. Whoever will be on the pitch, the coach’s mission is clear: to secure the counterattacks, to bring their own attacks to a clear conclusion and to come into the counterpressing immediately. “We must also have the necessary toughness,” Terzic demanded.

Opponents Leverkusen, in eighth place, have their sights firmly back on the European Cup places ahead of the start of the second half of the season. “We are ready and want to enjoy the game,” said Alonso, who described BVB as a “top team with super players”.

The Spaniard is hoping for a return of goalscorer Patrik Schick (groin problems). “He feels better, we are very happy,” Alonso said. A final decision will be made after the final training session on Saturday.

With or without Schick – Leverkusen will again rely on a strong defence as the basis for success. “We defend better, the distance between the players is smaller, we can help each other better. That gives us more balance and stability,” said former World and European champion Alonso.