Borussia Dortmund have started their journey to the Champions League group final at FC Copenhagen (Wednesday, 21.00/DAZN), which has no sporting significance, without Marco Reus.

The captain did not board the special plane to Denmark on Tuesday, after a too-early comeback he continues to have problems with his ankle.

“He’s not with us, but he won’t be out that long,” said sporting director Sebastian Kehl. Before the World Cup in Qatar (from 20 November), Reus can therefore only force himself on national coach Hansi Flick in the following Bundesliga games against VfL Bochum and at VfL Wolfsburg. Flick will already nominate his World Cup squad before the last league match of the year at Borussia Mönchengladbach (11 November).

Outside players Tom Rothe and Marius Wolf were also absent at Dortmund airport. Coach Edin Terzic is also expected to give frequent players like Jude Bellingham a break.

BVB are second in the table behind Manchester City before the last group game, FC Copenhagen cannot leave fourth place and will be eliminated from the European Cup.