'Accurate and clean' Fabio Silva impressing Nico Kovac as ex-Wolves forward aims to usurp struggling Borussia Dortmund striker in starting XI

Guirassy is facing an unexpected challenge for his starting place from new signing Silva, according to a report from Sport Bild. While Guirassy battles a persistent injury and a rare goal drought, the €22.5m (£19m/$26m) summer acquisition has earned high praise from manager Kovac for his impressive substitute appearances.

The 29-year-old Guirassy, who has been nominated for the 2025 African Player of the Year, is reportedly in danger of being benched for the first time this season for Dortmund's upcoming Bundesliga match against Koln.

Kovac has been deeply impressed by Silva, 23, who has brought a new dynamic in his five substitute appearances, culminating in his first goal for the club during the 4-2 Champions League victory in Copenhagen on Tuesday.

Sport Bild notes Silva is seen as the "exact opposite" of the struggling Guirassy, describing the Portuguese as "lively, hard-working, and technically strong." Kovac's praise highlighted Silva's tactical suitability and ball retention.

"He's been very diligent in training," Kovac said. "Very accurate, very clean in his execution, very team-oriented. Fabio is coming in more and more. I'm trying to give him more and more minutes because he deserves them."

Silva's emergence coincides with a difficult period for Guirassy. The Guinea international has scored just once in his last six matches across all competitions, a significant drought for a player of his calibre. According to Bild, the slump is not merely tactical but physical. Guirassy is reportedly struggling with persistent thigh problems that have hampered him for weeks, an issue that flared up just before the recent international break.

This injury is visibly affecting his performance, with reports noting he "can barely control the ball and appears insecure." This is a sharp downturn for the striker, who started the 2025-26 campaign in strong form with four goals in six Bundesliga appearances, on top of goals in the DFB Cup and Champions League. It pales in comparison to his explosive 2024-25 season, where he hit 21 top-tier goals and finished as joint-top scorer in the Champions League with 13 goals.

Despite the internal pressure from Silva and Guirassy's physical struggles, Kovac recently offered his star striker a public vote of confidence. Speaking to Sky, Kovac dismissed concerns over the temporary drought and insisted the 29-year-old remains central to his plans.

"For me, Serhou is very, very important. He remains our insurance policy because he is a key part of this team," Kovac stated. The manager attributed the slump to increased defensive attention following his prolific scoring. "They are clearly trying to take our top striker out of the game. That’s why it’s not so easy for him. But I know that in the coming weeks, he will again give us what we need: his goals."

The competition for the starting role comes amid fresh speculation over Guirassy's long-term future. According to Sky Germany, the striker's contract, which runs until 2028, contains a release clause that progressively decreases. After a clause valued around €75m (£65m/$87m) went un-triggered last summer, a new, lower figure will reportedly become active in 2S026.

This has reportedly put clubs like Barcelona on high alert as they seek long-term striking options. Guirassy's record justifies the interest, with the forward scoring 44 goals in all competitions. In that period, only Harry Kane, with 59, Kylian Mbappe (58), Erling Haaland (46) and Robert Lewandowski (46) have scored more across Europe's top five leagues.

The immediate test for Kovac's selection dilemma comes on Saturday evening against Koln. Silva is reportedly pushing for his first Bundesliga start, a move that would give Guirassy a much-needed rest to recover full fitness from his thigh issue.

Kovac is not short of alternatives. Should Silva start, it would be his first since his summer move. However, the manager could also deploy Maximilian Beier as a central striker, which could subsequently open attacking midfield roles for Carney Chukwuemeka or Jobe Bellingham. For Guirassy, a break could be beneficial as he aims to rediscover the form that made him one of Europe's most feared forwards.