Ramy Bensebaini has been reinstated to Borussia Dortmund's starting lineup for their Bundesliga match against SC Freiburg, according to the confirmed team sheets. The Algerian defender, who had been absent from the side that lost to Hoffenheim, replaces Niklas Sule in a back three as head coach Niko Kovac made four changes in total.
Bensebaini's immediate return to the first team comes amid ongoing speculation about his future at Signal Iduna Park. The 29-year-old left-back, who can also operate centrally, joined Dortmund on a free transfer from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer of 2023. His season has been punctuated by both injury and fluctuating form, leading to questions about his long-term role under Kovac.
The defender's inclusion is one of several adjustments made by Kovac, with Julian Brandt, Samuele Inacio, and Serhou Guirassy also coming into the side. For Freiburg, manager Julian Schuster made seven changes following their DFB-Pokal semi-final defeat to Stuttgart, handing starts to the likes of Noah Atubolu and Bruno Ogbus. The team news, while routine for a league fixture, often serves as a barometer for a player's standing, and Bensebaini's prompt recall suggests he remains in the manager's plans for the immediate future.
However, sources close to the club have indicated to TransfersDaily that Dortmund's hierarchy is open to listening to offers for Bensebaini in the upcoming summer transfer window. His contract runs until 2027, giving the club a strong negotiating position, but a sale could be considered to help fund moves in other areas of the squad. Several clubs in Serie A and the Premier League have previously been linked with an interest in the experienced defender.
For Dortmund, a potential departure would align with a broader strategy of refreshing the defensive unit, while for Bensebaini, a move could offer more consistent playing time as he enters the latter stages of his career. His performance against Freiburg will be scrutinized by potential suitors and the Dortmund board alike. The coming months will determine whether this lineup recall is a sign of renewed faith or simply a showcase ahead of a prospective transfer.
