Borussia Dortmund have been handed a boost ahead of tonight's UEFA Champions League (UCL) knockout phase playoff second leg with Sporting CP, as the Portuguese club have confirmed star striker Viktor Gyokeres (26) will not be involved.
Gyokeres was named in the starting line-up for his side's 2-2 draw with Arouca in their Liga Portugal clash at the weekend.
That fuelled suggestions he was ready to lead the line for Sporting in the second leg, having only played 30 minutes in the 3-0 first leg defeat, as he recovered from a thigh problem.
However, despite being named in the official squad list for the match in Dortmund, the Lisbon-based club have stated that he will play no part.
As reported on the UCL website, Sporting explained that his and Francisco Trincao's absences are a "physical management measure."
The decision to rest Swedish international Gyokeres indicates that the priority for Rui Borges' side this season is to retain the Portuguese league title. They currently sit top of the table, two points clear of Benfica.
As in the first leg, the Green & Whites are likely to start with Conrad Harder up front.
The Danish striker has scored once in the UCL this season, against Bologna in the final match of the league phase.
