Sébastien Haller is still unable to get going after his cancer at Borussia Dortmund – a circumstance that apparently leads to internal discussions and possibly a change in BVB’s transfer plans.
Twelve competitive games, one goal, one assist: Sébastien Haller’s record in the Borussia Dortmund jersey has been extremely manageable so far.
The problem: The 28-year-old currently has to start every game at BVB – even though he has only been back in training since January after a six-month break as a result of his testicular cancer with two surgeries and exhausting chemotherapy.
The alternatives to Haller at BVB are currently few and far between: Youssoufa Moukoko has been out for a long time due to a syndesmosis ligament tear and is still missing. Even after half a year, summer newcomer Anthony Modeste still seems like a foreign body in each of his now very short assignments. Players like Karim Adeyemi, Marco Reus or Donyell Malen feel much more comfortable in other roles.
The fact that Haller had to play so much so early was not foreseen in the Dortmund plans. There is no criticism of him due to his previous history. According to “Bild”, the doldrums of the Ivorian national player behind the scenes should definitely be an issue – especially with regard to the coming season.
BVB: Need a new center forward?
Accordingly, those responsible around sports director Sebastian Kehl are asking themselves whether an additional nine will be required in the summer or whether Haller will regain the form he had before the serious illness with increasing training and match practice.
After all: For the final spurt of the current season, the approaching Moukoko return gives BVB hope. “Rehab is going well. He’s constantly improving his performance and feeling better and better. We hope he’ll be available again after the international break,” said coach Edin Terzic recently.
A comeback Moukokos in the firecracker at FC Bayern (April 1st) is at least not excluded. If he is fit to play again, the pressure on Haller would initially decrease and he would be able to take his much-needed breaks again.