Mario Gotze is set for his first Borussia Dortmund appearance since re-signing from Bayern Munich in BVB's match at RB Leipzig on Saturday, coach Thomas Tuchel has told his prematch news conference.
"Mario will be in the squad, he is an option for the starting XI," Tuchel said, and defended the midfielder against recent criticism following his performance for Germany in their World Cup qualifier in Norway.
Gotze has yet to appear for Borussia Dortmund, but started in both Germany games during the recent international break.
The former Bayern player was heavily criticised by parts of the German media following his performance in Norway.
On Friday, German tabloid Bild suggested that the 24-year-old could face another dire season and will have difficulties to break into the starting formation.
But with Shinji Kagawa returning from his trip to the Japan national team with an ankle injury, Gotze could already be an option in Dortmund's away match at Leipzig on Saturday should the Japan international not win the race against time.
"Gotze has trained with us since Tuesday, and it did him good. We, the staff and Mario, need patience and believe in the own strength," Tuchel said, and addressing the criticism he added: "We realize that Mario is under the burning glass, and it's not good for him."
Die Pressekonferenz vor dem Spiel #rblbvb mit Thomas Tuchel: https://t.co/6zy4InTF1F pic.twitter.com/eCTG3gzTZT
- Borussia Dortmund (@BVB) September 9, 2016
"The criticism crossed the line. There comes a point when everything has been said, and you need to ask yourself how does the receiving end feel."
When Borussia Dortmund visit Leipzig on Saturday, Tuchel expects an "aggressive opponent," which could be carried by the special atmosphere in a city that has not seen top-flight football in 22 years.
"Leipzig will want surpass themselves," Tuchel said of the sold-out stadium. "It will be a tight game."
And Leipzig are indeed fired up for their Bundesliga home debut.
"We should not belittle ourselves," Leipzig coach Ralph Hasenhuttl told his prematch news conference. "The last thing we have is fear."
A fortnight ago, Leipzig returned from their first-ever Bundesliga match at Hoffenheim with a 2-2 draw in which they needed time to adapt to the new league.
"This should not happen again," Hasenhuttl warned.
During the final days of the summer transfer window, Leipzig signed a trio of players -- Nottingham Forest's Oliver Burke, Salzburg midfielder Bernardo and Leverkusen defender Kyriakos Papadopoulos -- and Hasenhuttl said that they make the team even stronger.
"We have a lot of competition. You can see that in training. It's good for us. We have a good depth," Hasenhuttl said, but left open if one for the three players will make his debut in the starting formation.
Hasenhuttl also addressed the Dortmund's fans protest against Leipzig.
"The fan boycott was a nonstarter," he said. "The stadium is sold out. I can promise you it'll be a highlight. One way or the other."