This led to widespread external concern about Dortmund's situation.
The second half of the Bundesliga season started earlier this year.
On top of that, Germany's winter was particularly cold.
As a result, injuries were generally more frequent.
At Dortmund, in addition to the two long-term absentees Kael and De De, the Brazilian veteran Tinga had also strained his adductor muscle in training, essentially ending his season.
Weidenfeller, Sven Bender, and Kuba had also been injured one after another, heavily impacting the team's starting lineup.
This led many in the German media to believe that Klopp's team lacked staying power.
By mid-February, the UEFA Europa League was set to resume.
In the draw for the UEFA Europa League's round of 32, Dortmund was matched against Eredivisie giants Ajax.
Even while competing on a single front, the Bumblebee's injury list was already growing constantly.
