Borussia Dortmund sit top of the Bundesliga with a perfect record after four games, and Niko Kovac's side have lost none of their last five matches across all competitions. That momentum, however, is being tested by a growing injury list emerging from the international break. Nico Schlotterbeck, who picked up an ankle problem during DFB training, is working individually and remains a doubt for Friday. Julian Ryerson is also a concern after leaving Norway's Nations League game against Wales after just 16 minutes, and he did not feature in their final fixture against Portugal. With Yan Couto gone and no specialist backup signed, Ryerson's absence would leave Kovac without a natural right-back.

Kovac has been vocal about the demands of the international calendar, describing four games in a single break as "definitively too many" and flagging that Konstantinos Karetsas and Daniel Svensson have returned with minor illness, while Ramy Bensebaini travelled back from Africa after playing the night before. Carney Chukwuemeka also has a muscular issue.

Off the pitch, goalkeeper Gregor Kobel has sent strong signals that he wants to extend his contract beyond 2028, telling Sport Bild he can "very easily imagine playing here for a long time." The club wants to open talks with Kobel, Ryerson and Waldemar Anton before Christmas. Friday's home fixture against Werder Bremen, whose striker Niclas Füllkrug returns to his former club in fine form, gives Dortmund an immediate chance to prove their title credentials hold up without key personnel.