Borussia Dortmund is grappling with significant defensive issues ahead of their crucial Champions League playoff against Atalanta Bergamo. During a recent training session, it was revealed that two of their central defenders, Nico Schlotterbeck and Niklas Süle, did not participate, raising alarms about the team's defensive capabilities. This setback comes at a critical time as Dortmund prepares for the playoff match scheduled for Tuesday night.

The absence of Schlotterbeck and Süle adds to an already precarious defensive situation for Dortmund, which is further complicated by the injuries to other defenders, including Emre Can and Filippo Mané. With these players out, the coaching staff is considering fielding an inexperienced 18-year-old defender, Luca Reggiani, who has only played 46 professional minutes thus far. This decision highlights the severity of Dortmund's defensive crisis as they approach what could be a defining match for the club this season.

Dortmund's management and fans are undoubtedly concerned about the impact of these injuries on the team's performance in the Champions League. The reliance on inexperienced players could affect their ability to compete at such a high level, making this playoff not only a test of skill and strategy but also a trial of the team's depth and resilience against challenging circumstances.