luhoplay Dortmund Vs Leverkusen, Bundesliga: BVB's Waldemar Anton, Almugera Kabar Doubtful As Virus Strikes

Borussia Dortmund duo Waldemar Anton and Almugera Kabar Borussia Dortmund duo Waldemar Anton and Almugera Kabar

Borussia Dortmund defenders Waldemar Anton and Almugera Kabar are doubtful for Friday's Bundesliga game against Bayer Leverkusen after a virus struck the team's camp. (More Football News)luhoplay

"We're having a bit of a flu wave so we'll have to wait and see," Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin said at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

Sixth-placed Dortmund will also be without Niklas Sule due to injury, while midfielder Pascal Gross is suspended after he was sent off during last month's 3-1 win over Wolfsburg.

Sahin said playing champions Leverkusen, who are unbeaten in the league since August, would make for a difficult return to Bundesliga action.

"Xabi Alonso has changed everything at Leverkusen. He has stabilised them and added more and more," Sahin said.

South Korea, meanwhile, are placed fourth in the standings with 6 points, with one win, three draws, and one loss. They were surpassed by China, who secured 2 wins and as many points. Korea’s season began with a 5-5 draw against Japan, followed by a 2-2 draw with Pakistan, their first victory with a 3-2 win over China, 3-1 loss at the hands of India and a 3-3 draw against Malaysia in their final pool match.

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Chen Benhai gave the hosts the lead with a fine field goal in the first quarter following an enterprising team move. But the highlight of the match was Chao Jieming's sensational solo effort in the second quarter.

"They're exceptionally good. It's a team that has a lot of control in the game, but we want that too."

Alonso is, however, winless against Dortmund as a coach, recording two draws and one defeat against them.

Against no other club has the Spaniard been in the Bayer dugout for as many matches without winning one.

Who's excited? #BeThere. pic.twitter.com/YNOvlgA59L

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) January 6, 2025

Dortmund, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last five matches, including a draw with leaders Bayern Munich in November, as they look to close a two-point gap to the top four.

BVB are also unbeaten in their last 11 home Bundesliga matches (eight wins, three draws), though Leverkusen – unbeaten in 24 on their travels (18 wins, six draws) – could set a new club record for successive Bundesliga road trips without a loss.

"A win would be extremely important for the table. We're playing against a top opponent," Sahin said.

"We've always performed well against these teams so far. We want to get into a flow for the new year with a good game."luhoplay