Dortmund coach Niko Kovac will be without three key players for the Champions League match against Inter Milan. The impact of one player’s departure is still being felt.

Borussia Dortmund will once again be without defender Niklas Süle and midfielder Marcel Sabitzer for their Champions League match against Inter Milan. Neither player took part in coach Niko Kovac’s final training session the day before the match (Wednesday, 9:00 p.m./DAZN).

“Niki has a back issue,” Kovac said of the 30-year-old. Sabitzer is dealing with calf problems. Left-back Daniel Svensson is suspended after being sent off in the 0-2 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in the last Champions League match.

In Aarón Anselmino, another defender has left BVB on short notice. Chelsea FC activated a clause in his loan agreement and brought the 20-year-old back to England. Kovac described it as an emotional farewell. “That was very sad for us, this occasion, this moment,” he said. “A great guy. A top-notch person. An excellent player.”

On the final matchday of the Champions League group stage, Dortmund aims to secure their spot in the knockout round. A draw would definitely be enough to do that. It’s also about putting themselves in a good position for the playoff matches. If BVB holds onto at least 16th place, the Westphalians would host the second leg.

But there’s also a lot at stake for Dortmund’s opponent. The Milan side, currently in 14th place and already assured of a playoff spot, are just one point away from a direct spot in the Round of 16. “We’re playing a great team tomorrow. We have to defend well, but also capitalize on the opportunities we’ll get up front,” says Kovac, who knows exactly what to expect.

BVB wants to capitalize on home-field advantage against the 2010 Champions League winners. “This stadium has immense power, a great energy that we want to harness tomorrow,” explained the head coach of the Black and Yellows.