The vanishing spray used by referees in free kick situations is making its debut in the Bundesliga this weekend despite a recent study that called it potentially unsafe.
Borussia Dortmund is hoping its problems will vanish too after the international break so it can start catching up with Bayern Munich, which hosts bottom-place Werder Bremen.
Dortmund visits Cologne, while Schalke hosts Hertha Berlin under a new coach and second-place Hoffenheim visits Hamburg.
VANISHING SPRAY HERE TO STAY
A recent study commissioned by one of Germany’s newspapers recently showed that vanishing spray could potentially be a health hazard and that it was not properly labeled. However, a technical inspection agency found nothing wrong with the spray and certified the product made in Argentina that was used at the World Cup in Brazil. The German Football Federation (DFB) is introducing the spray at the urging of the clubs, although the referees themselves were skeptical about its benefits.
DORTMUND’S FRESH START
Seven matches into the season, Borussia Dortmund finds itself in 13th place and, more importantly, already 10 points behind leader Bayern Munich.
Dortmund has lost three of its last four, with one draw. Now, after the break, Dortmund is hoping to resurrect its campaign. “We’ve sworn to each other that this will be a restart now,” defender Kevin Grosskreutz said. “We want to show our real football again. We haven’t played well until now.”
The reason for Dortmund’s optimism is the return of three stars from injuries. Forward Marco Reus, midfielder Henrikh Mkhitayran and midfielder Ilkay Gundogan are available again.
THIAGO’S INJURY
Bayern Munich’s director of sport Matthias Sammer says the club is “shocked and sad” over the new injury sustained by midfielder Thiago Alacantara.
Just days after returning from a long-term injury break, Thiago requires another operation after reinjuring the ligaments in his right knee.
Thiago partially tore the ligaments in practice on Tuesday. The Spaniard returned to team practice last week, and faces another lengthy recovery. He probably won’t play until March. He was injured in March and returned to training in May, only to suffer a setback and required surgery on his right knee that ruled him out of the World Cup.