Rose "cautiously optimistic" that Haaland will return in 2021
Borussia Dortmund coach Marco Rose still has hope that Erling Haaland will be able to play this year.
Borussia Dortmund are 'cautiously optimistic' that Erling Haaland will be able to make his return from injury this year, according to head coach Marco Rose.
The Norwegian star striker has been sidelined for around a month due to problems with his hip flexor.
Haaland's father and agent, Alf-Inge Haaland, said at the beginning of the month that his son is 'unlikely' to play before Christmas, but Rose says there is still a chance the 21-year-old could play before the end of 2021.
"We're cautiously optimistic that Erling will be on the pitch again this year," Rose told reporters ahead of Saturday's game against Stuttgart.
Dortmund's injuries are generally starting to clear up, with Raphael Guerreiro, Emre Can, Mahmoud Dahoud and Dan-Axel Zagadou all back in training.
"Raphael Guerreiro is an option for the game against Stuttgart. He has trained for the last two weeks. Emre Can could come on as a substitute. With Raphael, we have to make sure that we don't overload him, with the game on Wednesday [against Sporting CP] in mind. 'Mo Dahoud' is also back in training, but will not play a role against Stuttgart," said Rose.
"'Daxo' [Zagadou] could play an important role for us against Sporting, with Mats Hummels suspended. Tomorrow he'll get some playing time with the U23s. We think that will give him a good feeling and he'll take another step forward."
Rose also provided an update on first-choice goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, who has been struggling with a hip injury.
"Gregor has been training integratively this week. We'll take another close look at him today. But have great confidence in our other goalkeepers as well," he said.