Virus leaves Dortmund without key defenders for Leverkusen test

Borussia Dortmund defenders Waldemar Anton and Almugera Kabar are doubtful for Friday's Bundesliga game against Bayer Leverkusen after a virus struck the team's camp.

"We're having a bit of a flu wave so we'll have to wait and see," Dortmund head coach Nuri Sahin said at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

Sixth-placed Dortmund will also be without Niklas Sule due to injury, while midfielder Pascal Gross is suspended after he was sent off during last month's 3-1 win over Wolfsburg.

Sahin said playing champions Leverkusen, who are unbeaten in the league since August, would make for a difficult return to Bundesliga action.

"Xabi Alonso has changed everything at Leverkusen. He has stabilised them and added more and more," Sahin said.

"They're exceptionally good. It's a team that has a lot of control in the game, but we want that too."

Alonso is, however, winless against Dortmund as a coach, recording two draws and one defeat against them.

Against no other club has the Spaniard been in the Bayer dugout for as many matches without winning one.

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Dortmund, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last five matches, including a draw with leaders Bayern Munich in November, as they look to close a two-point gap to the top four.

BVB are also unbeaten in their last 11 home Bundesliga matches (eight wins, three draws), though Leverkusen – unbeaten in 24 on their travels (18 wins, six draws) – could set a new club record for successive Bundesliga road trips without a loss.

"A win would be extremely important for the table. We're playing against a top opponent," Sahin said.

"We've always performed well against these teams so far. We want to get into a flow for the new year with a good game."