Ramy Bensebaini
BVB
CB
Back Line Anchor
Apr 16, 1995 (31)
Left
6'2"
181 lb
DortmundOption to face Paderborn
Bensebaini (ribs) is an option for Saturday's clash against Paderborn, according to coach Niko Kovac, per Ruhr 24. "He is ready for action this weekend, I can count on him, and we are pleased about that."
Analysis: Bensebaini had recently returned to team training as he continued recovering from a rib injury that limited him to start the campaign, and this update now confirms he has fully recovered. He was a regular starter last season when healthy, and his versatility across the back line gives Dortmund another option as he looks to reclaim a starting role.
Resumes team training
Bensebaini (ribs) is back in team training, according to his club.
Analysis: Bensebaini is back with his teammates for training, recovering further from a rib injury that has limited him to begin the campaign. This will leave the defender ready for a return in nearly any match moving forward, adding some more depth to the team. He was a starter last season between his injuries, so he will look to return to a starting role once fit, as he is a versatile defender who can play across the defense.
Won't play UCL opener
Bensebaini is suspended for Tuesday's Champions League opener against Villarreal, giving him a few more days to recover from his rib injury, according to UEFA.
Analysis: Bensebaini had already been ruled out of the Bundesliga clash against Hoffenheim, though he recently took a step forward by partially returning to team training. This suspension means Dortmund does not need to rush his return, buying him extra time while the club continues managing a stretched defensive group.
Remains out against Hoffenheim
Bensebaini (ribs) will remain unavailable for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Hoffenheim, according to Ruhr Nachrichten.
Analysis: Bensebaini has taken a step forward by partially returning to team training Thursday, but he is not yet ready for Bundesliga action and did not travel with the squad. His absence further stretches Dortmund's defensive options, with Nico Schlotterbeck also sidelined and Samuele Inacio suspended. Bensebaini will continue building up his workload in training, with a return potentially coming in one of Dortmund's upcoming fixtures.
Late call for Hoffenheim clash
Bensebaini (ribs) is a late call for Saturday's clash against Hoffenheim, according to coach Niko Kovac, per Ruhr 24. "Ramy trained with the team for the first time today. The session was low-intensity, with little physical contact. Everything went well. We'll decide tomorrow if he's available for the weekend."
Analysis: Bensebaini had missed the recent win over Hamburger due to a rib injury, with Dortmund opting not to risk him at the time. His return to team training Thursday marks a positive step forward, and his status for Saturday's match will become clearer as the club continues assessing him in the final hours before the game.
Doesn't play in Bundesliga opener
Bensebaini (ribs) wasn't in the squad in Saturday's 2-0 win over Hamburger.
Analysis: Bensebaini was considered uncertain due to a rib injury, and in the end, Dortmund's coaching staff played it safe with the Algerian international and didn't risk him. Bensebaini will aim to return to the squad for the match against Hoffenheim on Saturday, Sep. 5.
Uncertain for Saturday
Bensebaini (ribs) is uncertain for Saturday's match against Hamburger SV, according to manager Niko Kovac. "We'll see how things develop for the weekend tomorrow. If Ramy isn't available, we'll find a good solution," he said.
Analysis: Bensebaini was sidelined for several days after suffering a rib contusion in the Supercup match and was only able to train individually in recent days. The Bundesliga opener might come too soon for the Algeria international, and if he's out, then young players such as Luca Reggiani and Filippo Mane could enter the starting lineup, as Nico Schlotterbeck (ankle) and Emre Can (knee), two potential options at center-back, are also out.
Diagnosed with bruised rib
Bensebaini has been diagnosed with a bruised rib after picking up the injury during Saturday's Supercup loss to Bayern Munich, according to Bild.
Analysis: Bensebaini took an accidental knee from teammate Waldemar Anton in the second half and had to be taken to the hospital for further examination after the match. He played through the discomfort since Dortmund had already used all of their substitutions, but his day still ended early when he was shown a red card late on for a foul on Ismael Saibari. That sending off won't carry over to the Bundesliga opener since suspensions from the Supercup only apply to the German Cup, though it remains unclear whether the rib injury itself will keep him out of the league opener.
Exits World Cup in Round of 32
Bensebaini had two tackles (zero won), three clearances and one interception in Thursday's 2-0 defeat to Switzerland.
Analysis: Bensebaini played 90 minutes for the fourth game in a row. He made three clearances during the game, and while he attempted two tackles, he was unable to win any. One of his passes in the direction of Rayan Ait-Nouri was left short, and therefore Switzerland were able to nip in and steal the ball and score the opener after a later clearance when wrong.
Makes two clearances in draw
Bensebaini had one shot (zero on goal) in Saturday's 3-3 draw against Austria.
Analysis: Bensebaini had a quiet outing stat-wise and made his fewest clearances in three group stage starts, finishing with nine overall. The centerback played all their 270 minutes so far and also logged eight tackles and six interceptions. He will now face a tough matchup in the Round of 32 contest versus Switzerland.
Shot leads to winner
Bensebaini had one shot (zero on goal) in Monday's 2-1 victory versus Jordan.
Analysis: Bensebaini took the shot, which led to the winner, as Algeria would go on to win 2-1 against Jordan. He played a full 90 minutes in both games of the World Cup campaign so far. His header in the 82nd minute was blocked and fell to the feet of Amine Gouiri. In the match, he won five of his six tackles, made three interceptions and four clearances. A standout defensive performance and a repeat of this would be crucial as Algeria try to get a result in the final game against Austria to try and get to the knockout stages.
Makes three clearances in loss
Bensebaini registered two tackles (one won), three clearances and three interceptions in Tuesday's 3-0 defeat against Argentina.
Analysis: Bensebaini led Algeria with three clearances and three interceptions, but it wasn't enough to avoid the loss in their debut. The centerback also made the third-most tackles for his side. He's on par with his performance for Borussia Dortmund in the season, after logging 3.7 clearances per game in 30 appearances (24 starts).
Starts Tuesday
Bensebaini (foot) is part of Algeria's starting lineup Tuesday versus Argentina.
Analysis: Bensebaini was not expected to play in his country's World Cup opener, so his inclusion comes as a pleasant surprise, boosting their defensive ability against the toughest opponent in the group. The versatile man will likely feature as a center-back but could add attacking threat on set pieces after notching seven goals and two assists over 30 appearances in the last club season. Jaouen Hadjam will be among the substitutes Tuesday and may only play if Bensebaini is not fit for a full outing.
Won't play vs. Argentina
Bensebaini (ankle) won't play against Argentina on Monday, according to La Gazette du Fennec.
Analysis: The Dortmund center-back was spotted with an ankle brace in Friday's training session, and after sustaining an injury in training earlier in the week, it has now been confirmed that he won't be an option for the group-stage opener. It remains to be seen whether he'll be able to play in the remaining fixtures, with Algeria's next game coming against Jordan on Monday, June 22. With Bensebaini out, look for Jaouen Hadjam to take his place in the XI.
Spotted with ankle brace
Bensebaini (foot) was spotted on the training pitch Thursday wearing an ankle brace, casting serious doubt over his ability to start Algeria's World Cup opener against Argentina on June 16 despite the positive comments from coach Vladimir Petkovic, the federation posted.
Analysis: Bensebaini has been sidelined for three weeks with a foot issue and while coach Petkovic expressed confidence he could start against Argentina, his appearance on the training pitch with a protective brace just four days before the opener suggests the coaching staff may need to consider alternatives in the back-line for the first fixture. The situation will be monitored closely over the coming days before any final decision is made on his availability for what promises to be one of the most high-profile opening fixtures of the tournament. Zineddine Belaid or Samir Chergui look like the most likely options to start if the Dortmund defender had to miss the clash.
Makes bench Wednesday
Bensebaini (foot) was named on the bench for Wednesday's 1-0 victory over the Netherlands but did not feature as the game did not require his introduction, with the focus firmly on building his fitness ahead of Algeria's World Cup opener.
Analysis: Bensebaini had been sidelined in the final weeks of the club season with a foot issue, making his inclusion in the matchday squad a positive step in his recovery. The defender is expected to be an undisputed starter in Algeria's back line throughout the tournament and the coaching staff are managing his return carefully to ensure he is fully fit and sharp when their World Cup campaign gets underway.
Season over, focusing on WC
Bensebaini (foot) will not be available for Saturday's season finale against Bremen, according to coach Niko Kovac. "Ramy won't be able to play. Otherwise, everyone else is available for the match."
Analysis: Bensebaini ends the campaign with seven goals and two assists alongside 55 tackles and 113 clearances across 30 appearances in all competitions, having been one of Dortmund's most consistent performers before a foot issue derailed his final weeks of the season. The focus now shifts entirely to being fit for Algeria at the World Cup this summer, with the left-back motivated to represent his country on the biggest stage after a strong individual campaign for the Schwarzgelben.
Season could be done
Bensebaini (foot) remains unavailable and has been ruled out of Friday's clash against Frankfurt, with coach Niko Kovac also expressing doubt over his availability for the subsequent fixture against Bremen which would end his season now, according to Ruhr 24. "Ramy is unavailable. He is still suffering from a foot injury and I fear he will not be able to play against Bremen either."
Analysis: Bensebaini has been dealing with a foot issue since picking up the problem in the DFB Pokal, and the club is clearly not prepared to rush him back before he is fully right with the season drawing to a close. Luca Reggiani and Filippo Mane remain the most likely candidates to cover in the back line in his continued absence as Dortmund push through the final fixtures of their Bundesliga campaign. If the Algerian can't return against Bremen for the season final, he would end the campaign with seven goals and two assists to go with 55 tackles and 113 clearances in 30 appearances across all competitions.
Picks up injury
Bensebaini is out for Sunday's match against Gladbach due to a foot injury, according to manager Niko Kovac.
Analysis: Bensebaini is not going to make the call after a Cup injury last week, as the defender is suffering from a swollen foot. With the issue being something hard to play through, the club appears to be taking a cautious approach and not risking him, as they have a UCL spot and look to be set for second place in the league. This will leave Luca Reggiani and Filippo Mane as potential replacements, both named by manager Kovac as possible options.
Scores and assists
Bensebaini scored a goal and had an assist while taking two shots (one on goal), creating two chances, making four tackles (winning two) and four clearances during Sunday's 4-0 win over Freiburg.
Analysis: Bensebaini set up Maximilian Beier for the opening goal in the 8th minute before scoring himself in the 31st and leading Dortmund in tackles and clearances. The goal was the first since March 21st as Bensebaini has combined for three goal involvements, four shots, four chances created and six tackles over his last three appearances.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare