Algerian defender Ramy Bensebaini fighting for minutes at Borussia Dortmund

Ramy Bensebaini has lost his regular place at Borussia Dortmund after persistent back problems kept him out for several weeks, and even now that he is fit again, his path back into the starting XI is blocked.

The 30-year-old defender has only managed two brief substitute appearances in Dortmund’s last six competitive games as he worked his way back to full physical stability.

Head coach Niko Kovac made it clear after the 2–0 win over TSG Hoffenheim that Bensebaini is no longer dealing with any fitness issues, saying: “Ramy is fine. He is completely healthy again.”

However, Kovac also hinted that Bensebaini’s preferred roles, on the left of a back three or as a traditional left-back, are currently taken, with Nico Schlotterbeck in central defence and Daniel Svensson on the flank “doing very well”.

Up to early November, Bensebaini had been “fantastic” in Kovačs eyes, which was reflected in 13 starts across all competitions, making the decision to bench him a difficult one for the coach, who admitted the situation is “certainly very difficult for the boy”. The intense schedule before the winter break could still open a window, with Dortmund facing Bodø/Glimt in the Champions League on Wednesday, a league trip to Freiburg four days later and then a home match against Borussia Monchengladbach as the last game of the year.

Any medium-term opportunity will soon be interrupted, though, because Bensebaini is expected to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on December 21, with clubs required to release players from December 15.