Borussia Dortmund will be without Niklas Süle and Marcel Sabitzer for Wednesday’s decisive Champions League group-stage match against Inter Milan, head coach Niko Kovač confirmed on Tuesday. The German side are aiming for a top-eight finish and automatic qualification for the last 16.

Both Süle and Sabitzer are still recovering from injuries and will remain sidelined, while wing-back Daniel Svensson is suspended. Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Kovač admitted his squad has been stretched but remains confident in his team’s depth.

“Sabitzer and Süle won’t be available because of their ongoing problems. Daniel is suspended, so we are a bit depleted,” Kovač said. “But we still have enough quality players in the squad.”

Dortmund currently sit 16th in the standings with 11 points. A victory on Wednesday, combined with favorable results elsewhere, could see them climb into the top eight. Inter, who are 14th and one point ahead, have a stronger chance of securing automatic qualification.

The top eight teams advance directly to the round of 16, while those finishing between ninth and 24th will contest two-legged playoff ties in February, adding further strain to an already demanding schedule.

Kovač highlighted the challenge posed by Inter, who have reached two Champions League finals in the past three seasons.

“The quality in this competition is special,” he said. “Tomorrow we face a team that has played two finals in the last three years. We must defend well and also take the chances we create.”

The Croatian coach also emphasized the importance of home support, with more than 81,000 fans expected at Signal Iduna Park.

“Our stadium gives us immense power and energy, and we want to use that,” Kovač added. “We have to play with intensity, aggressiveness, dynamism, and energy for 90 minutes. We want to win and see where that takes us. Inter have their own goals, and they know a victory would put them in a strong position.”