BERLIN, Sept 12 (Askume) – Bayer Leverkusen could bring in Nodi Mukiele on loan for Saturday’s game against Hoffenheim after the Bundesliga champions conceded five goals in one game.
Xabi Alonso’s side were unbeaten in their previous domestic campaign and won the league and cup double as they began their title defence with a win over Borussia Monchengladbach, but lost to Red Bull Leipzig before the international break.
Powerful PSG defender Mukiele is likely to make his first league start against Hoffenheim to help contain their opponents’ attacks, while his versatility will also sharpen their transition game.
Centre-back Jonathan Tah was out of form in Germany’s 2-2 Nations League draw with the Netherlands on Tuesday and must improve his performance, which was also criticised by Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman.
Exquiel Palacios and Roberto Andric, who are back from injury, are the options in midfield, with newly signed Alex Garcia playing in midfield in the first two games but failing to make a lasting impact.
Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich hopes to make it three wins in a row against newly promoted Holstein Kiel on Saturday, while Germany winger Leroy Sane looks to return from groin surgery in July.
The Bavarians are desperate to regain the league title under new coach Kompany, who replaced Thomas Tuchel.
Dortmund’s biggest signing, striker Serhu Glisy, who joins from last season’s runners-up VfB Stuttgart, could make his debut against visitors Heidenheim on Friday after recovering from a knee injury.
“He has improved his game over the last few weeks and is now very impressive,” Dortmund coach Nuri Sahin said on Wednesday.
The Guinea international scored 28 league goals for Stuttgart last season.
However, Heidenheim is unlikely to give up easily.
They top the table on goal difference with two wins from two matches, scoring six goals and conceding none.
