Gio Reyna Sets His Sights on Greater Glory at Dortmund After Long-Awaited Starting Debut

Gio Reyna vows to fight for more opportunities at Borussia Dortmund following his first start in a year. The American attacking midfielder’s involvement in Wednesday’s 3-2 defeat against Barcelona marks a significant turning point for both him and the team as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup on home soil.

Although Reyna played 73 minutes without making a notable impact, he demonstrated that he belongs on the pitch. His ability to keep pace, despite a history of injuries that have hindered his progress, suggests he is ready to reclaim his spot in the squad.

“It was great. Just really, really happy to be back on the field. It’s obviously when I’m happiest,” Reyna expressed in a video interview released by the club on Thursday.

Reyna’s journey has been challenging since his last start for Dortmund on November 1, 2023. His loan spell at Nottingham Forest didn’t go as planned, and he missed the first four matches under new U.S. coach Mauricio Pochettino due to a groin strain while Dortmund advanced to the Champions League final without him.

In Wednesday’s match, Reyna was supported by a youthful Dortmund attack, featuring 20-year-old Jamie Gittens, who has scored nine goals this season, and 18-year-old Julien Duranville, who impressed in his season debut.

However, Dortmund faces challenges at the defensive end. Nico Schlotterbeck’s severe ankle injury late in the game leaves the team with a shortage of fit central defenders. Coach Sahin remarked that losing Schlotterbeck would be a “total meltdown.”

Schlotterbeck was already filling in alongside midfielder Emre Can due to Niklas Süle’s long-term absence and uncertainty surrounding Waldemar Anton’s recovery from a muscle injury.

While Schlotterbeck’s ligament injury is concerning, the club has not provided a timeline for his recovery, only stating that it is “questionable” he will return before the new year.

On a brighter note, Dortmund has just two matches remaining before a 19-day winter break, set to commence after their encounter with Wolfsburg on December 22.

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