Nico Schlotterbeck plays down injury fears after Borussia Dortmund comeback: ‘I’m physically fit’

Nico Schlotterbeck insists his body feels good after making his Borussia Dortmund return in Saturday’s victory over Paderborn following 84 days on the sidelines.

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Nico Schlotterbeck has played down any fitness concerns after making his long-awaited Borussia Dortmund comeback in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Paderborn.

The Germany international returned after 84 days out through injury and was immediately handed the captain’s armband as Dortmund maintained their perfect Bundesliga start.

Asked how his body had responded to his return, Schlotterbeck insisted he had complete confidence in his fitness.

“I simply trust my body,” Schlotterbeck told DAZN.

“I’m not a sensitive player who has to be particularly careful because of pain. It felt good.

“We played a decent game, so I’m happy.”

The defender was also questioned about the heavy bandaging around his foot following the game, but quickly dismissed any suggestion of another setback.

“Everything is fine,” he added.

“I’ve simply been advised to cool my foot down after the workload now.

“But I’m doing well. I’m physically fit.”

Schlotterbeck’s return provided another boost for Niko Kovac after Dortmund recorded a third successive Bundesliga victory and kept their first clean sheet since the opening weekend, while Die Schwarzgelben sit second in the standings for now.