The Daily Bee (December 19th, 2019): Marco Reus out against Hoffenheim

• Matchday 16

Borussia Mönchengladbach have caught up to RB Leipzig after their 2:0 against last place SC Paderborn. The Foals still have a chance to go into the winter break in first place.

Bayern Munich started out in dominant fashion and got the deserved lead against Sc Freiburg. However, they continued a trend that is unusual for the Bavarians, they lost control of the game in the second half. Freiburg was able to get back into the game, equalize and they even had chances to get the lead. In the end, Bayern got lucky with two late goals to get the win and are now level on points with BVB.

Schalke 04 could not keep their position in the top 4 after their 1:1 draw against VfL Wolfsburg. Bayer Leverkusen meanwhile continue to lose ground, losing 0:1 to Hertha BSC Berlin. In addition, 1.FC Köln are able to climb their way out of the relegation zone defeating Eintracht Frankfurt 4:2.

• Hertha eyeing two BVB-players (Bild)

In recent days Hertha BSC Berlin has been linked to two BVB players, Mario Götze and Julian Weigl.

While this does sound improbable at first, Hertha Berlin does have a new investor, Lars Windhorst, who has big plans for the club. They will spend big in the future and their coach Jürgen Klinsmann has confirmed that they are looking to add talent:

”Through our constellation with our investor, we have completely different goals in the medium and long term and approach it with a different mindset. [...] Whether it is speculated about Mario or other Champions League-caliber players - that will be normal. That will be our future. We’re also looking for these kind of players.”

While this is neither a confirmation nor a denial on the Götze-rumors it shows that Hertha are ready to spend money and both Götze and Weigl could actually be on the market soon.

• Reus out injured - Sancho questionable

BVB had an interesting press conference for once. Hooray!

Let’s be honest, the club has not exactly been very informative during their press conferences and Lucien Favre is mostly uncommunicative but there were some interesting tidbits today.

Favre confirmed that Marco Reus will miss the match against TSG Hoffenheim on Friday after picking up an injury during the match against RB Leipzig. Luckily it is not a serious injury, he will be back in January.

Jadon Sancho remains questionable for the match. The young winger had to be subbed out on Tuesday but he could be ready to face Hoffenheim, the decision will be made tomorrow. This will force Lucien Favre to make some changes and he has some options. Paco Alcacer and Mario Götze could be the replacements or the Swiss coach could move Guerreiro or Hakimi up the pitch and replace them with Schulz or Piszczek.

Furthermore, Michael Zorc was asked about the future at right back, Hakimi is on loan for the rest of the season and Piszczek will likely retire. BVB’s sporting director confirmed that they do have some plans and there is no decision made about Hakimi’s future just yet. The club would like him to stay but ultimately it will be Real Madrid’s decision. Zorc did deny rumors that he will definitely go back to Spain.