Overview
- Coach Niko Kovac said Karetsas trained only in part on Thursday and that staff will reassess him tomorrow before deciding whether he will join the squad for the Bayern match.
- The 18‑year‑old returned to limited action after collapsing in September with what the club described as circulatory problems and has been reintegrated cautiously.
- Karetsas twisted his ankle after coming on as a substitute in the 0-0 draw with Union Berlin on October 17 and missed subsequent fixtures including Dortmund’s trip to Sabah.
- The decision carries competitive weight because Dortmund and Bayern are unbeaten and level on points, with Bayern ahead on goal difference and Dortmund scoring far fewer league goals.
- Dortmund’s cautious approach reflects wider club concern about young internationals’ workloads and strained attacking depth, a situation that has prompted short‑term moves such as the loan of Ethan Nwaneri.