Niko Kovac clears up Dortmund injury doubts ahead of Villarreal clash

Neither player took part in Dortmund's full team training on Monday, but Kovac said there was no cause for concern over their fitness.

"That was completely normal today. It can happen from time to time that we let one or two players recover in the locker room or in the gym," Kovac said at his pre-match press conference.

"Both are in perfect health and are options for the game."

Dortmund will, however, be without Filippo Mane after the defender suffered a muscle injury during Saturday's 3-2 Bundesliga victory over Hoffenheim.

Kovac expects Mane to return after the upcoming international break.

"We're assuming nothing else will happen before the international break. He'll certainly return after that," the Dortmund coach said.

"Unfortunately, things like this are just part of the game. In terms of training load and training management, everything was top-notch; he had really good endurance and strength numbers."

Dortmund also have to cope without Nico Schlotterbeck and Ramy Bensebaini, who remain suspended despite making progress in their respective injury recoveries.

Giannis Konstantelias and Emre Can are also unavailable as they continue to recover from long-term injuries.