Gio Reyna demands more chances at Dortmund after year of waiting

In Duesseldorf, Germany, Gio Reyna made his long-awaited return to the starting lineup for Borussia Dortmund after more than a year on the sidelines due to injuries. His first start occurred during a challenging match against Barcelona, where Dortmund faced a narrow defeat with a score of 3-2. Despite limited impact in the match, Reyna demonstrated his fitness and ability to compete at a high level for the entire 73 minutes he played. Coach Nuri Sahin assigned him to leverage his strengths and facilitate his team’s play, a tactic that Reyna felt he executed well as he rejoined his teammates on the field. The past year was tumultuous for Reyna, marked by a disappointing loan spell with Nottingham Forest and injuries that prevented him from participating in international matches with the U.S. national team. His absence was acutely felt as Dortmund enjoyed significant successes, including reaching the Champions League final without his contributions. Following his injury struggles, Reyna’s position in the team had been uncertain, making his recent start a pivotal moment for both him and the club as they rebuild their squad in light of the current challenges. Reyna’s return to form comes at a crucial time for Borussia Dortmund, who are also dealing with injuries to several key players, including Julian Brandt, who is sidelined. Dortmund’s defensive lineup is particularly in disarray after Nico Schlotterbeck suffered a severe ankle injury during the match against Barcelona. The club's lack of fit central defenders raises concerns about their defensive solidity moving forward. Coach Sahin described losing Schlotterbeck as a potential ‘total meltdown’ for the team, highlighting the intensity of their current situation as they navigate through injuries and aim for stability. Looking forward, the situation poses both challenges and opportunities for Reyna. With injuries impacting players like Brandt, Reyna may find himself with increased playing time in the upcoming Bundesliga matches, such as the one scheduled against Hoffenheim. There is optimism surrounding Reyna’s ability to regain his form, particularly as he aims to carve out a more secure role within the squad in the lead-up to future competitions, including the home World Cup in 2026. Reyna's fight for more opportunities signifies not just a personal ambition but also an important pathway for Dortmund as they strive to solidify their position in both domestic and international competitions.