Felix Götze
PAD
Center Back
Ball-Playing Center Back
Feb 11, 1998 (28)
Right
6'1"
176 lb
Option off bench
Gotze (undisclosed) is on the bench for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Borussia Dortmund.
Analysis: Gotze returned to the matchday squad after the injury he picked up in a training collision with Marvin Pieringer had forced him to miss the recent clash against Freiburg, with coach Ralf Kettemann's confidence in his availability proving well-founded following his return to full training Tuesday. The experienced defender's presence among the substitutes restores depth to Paderborn's defensive rotation for the trip to Dortmund, though the club opted to ease him back with a bench role rather than throwing him straight back into the starting lineup.
Expected back against Dortmund
Gotze is expected to be available for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Borussia Dortmund after returning to full team training this week, according to coach Ralf Kettemann. "We fully expect Felix to be with us in Dortmund."
Analysis: Gotze missed the recent clash against Freiburg after picking up an injury in a training collision with Marvin Pieringer, but his return to full training Tuesday appears to have gone well. Manager Ralf Kettemann's latest comments indicate the defender is now on track to rejoin the matchday squad Saturday, barring a late setback. Gotze's return would restore an experienced option to Paderborn's defensive rotation after his brief absence.
Returns to full team training
Gotze returned to full team training Tuesday for the first time since suffering an injury following a collision in training with Marvin Pieringer, according to Neue Westfalische.
Analysis: Gotze missed the recent clash against Freiburg because of the issue but has now taken an important step toward returning to action by completing an entire session with his teammates. Paderborn will monitor how the captain responds to the increased workload over the next three training sessions before determining his availability for Saturday's trip to Borussia Dortmund. A return to the squad remains possible, though Gotze has yet to be officially cleared for the match.
Ruled out against Freiburg
Gotze (head) will miss Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Freiburg as he continues to recover from the effects of a training collision, according to coach Ralf Kettemann. "We simply have to wait and see."
Analysis: Gotze remains subject to concussion protocols after colliding with teammate Marvin Pieringer before the opening match of the season, ruling him out once again Saturday. The defender is making encouraging progress, however, and could be cleared to return next week if his recovery continues as expected.
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