Felix Nmecha not yet at full fitness for Borussia Dortmund

Felix Nmecha is not yet at his peak condition for Borussia Dortmund, head coach Niko Kovac has confirmed, as the club carefully manages his return to full fitness.

The 25-year-old midfielder was substituted in the 55th minute of Dortmund’s 3-2 victory over Hoffenheim, continuing a pattern of restricted playing time as he works his way back.

Kovac explained that Nmecha’s unusual preparation following his participation in the World Cup has delayed his physical readiness. “Felix is certainly not yet where he can and will be,” Kovač said at a press conference ahead of the Champions League clash with Villarreal. “He also needs a bit of time, which we will give him.”

The coach stressed that Nmecha remains an important figure in his plans, despite currently operating below his usual standards. “He is not at the level where I would like him to be, but he has reached that level in the past,” Kovac noted, pointing to the need for a gradual build-up rather than rushing him back into action.

Over the last three matches, Nmecha’s minutes have ranged between 45 and 70, a strategy Kovac described as a “continuous build-up.” Working closely with the fitness and medical staff, Dortmund aim to prepare him for the demands of a long season without overloading him too early.

“Nmecha is still very important and will always remain so for me,” Kovac added, underlining that the current approach is about protecting the player rather than questioning his role. Full 90-minute appearances are unlikely in the immediate future, but the club expects him to regain his best form in due course.