Berlin, Nov 26 (IANS): Ahead of their fifth match in Group D of the Champions League against Arsenal in London Wednesday, Borussia Dortmund's mind is more on their problems in the Bundesliga and their star striker Marco Reus who picked up a serious ankle injury over the weekend.
The 25-year old, who was sidelined for the third time since summer 2014 afer his latest injury, had to be replaced, forcing Dortmund coach Juergen Klopp to mull a tactical change in his starting eleven.
Though playing well recently on the left flank, midfielder Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang may well start the game on the bench. Italian striker Ciro Immobile is likely to lead the attack especially after scoring in the first match against Arsenal (2-0) and then in Anderlecht (3-0).
But undoubtedly Dortmund will find it difficult to replace a player for the calibre of Reus, not only from a footballing point of view but also from a psychological angle.
After Reus was carried off the pitch in the league game at promoted Paderborn, Dortmund seemed to be in a state of shock.
The team let a 2-0 lead slip to settle for a 2-2 draw. Reus's injury and the two lost points have put Dortmund in an uncomfortable position towards the wrong end of the Bundesliga.
The aim of qualifying for next year's Champions League is becoming ever more distant.
"All the success of the last year should not be shield to hide behind," said club boss Hans-Joachim Watzke. Dortmund reached the finals of the Champions League last year.
"The situation we're in requires blood, sweat and tears," he added.
Dortmund's present poor form in the Bundesliga means that they will need Reus.
After returning to the team recently, the striker carried the hopes of a turnaround in fortunes of his team on his shoulders after a disappointing start to their league campaign.
The presence of Reus is important for Dortmund, not only now but also for its future as the club is looking to establish itself amongst Europe's elite, and rise up the Bundesliga table.
League rivals Bayern Munich is interested in signing Reus, as, according to rumours, are many of Europe's leading clubs. Reus was expected to lead the team out of its biggest crisis for years.
Reus is a world class player, in contrast to many of his team-mates and to lose him would be a catastrophe for Dortmund, according to the former German international goalkeeper Oliver Kahn.