Kehl to wear protective mask against Madrid

The experienced midfielder remains doubtful for Tuesday's encounter due to a facial injury, but could take to the pitch after all wearing a protective mask.

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp has received some encouraging news on the injury front ahead of the Champions League match versus Real Madrid as club captain Sebastian Kehl could feature after all.

The midfielder suffered a fractured nose in BVB's scoreless Bundesliga draw against Stuttgart at the weekend, and the German champions initially feared that he would be unavailable for Tuesday's encounter at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Nevertheless, there now appears to be a realistic possibility that Kehl can play against Madrid after the 32-year-old had a special protective mask fitted on Sunday during a procedure that lasted six hours.

Kehl has played in all three of Borussia Dortmund's Champions League matches so far this season.

The Signal Iduna Park side currently sit atop of Group D with seven points from three games, and currently hold a one-point lead over Madrid.