Borussia M'Gladbach: Decision on substitute Honorat deployment made at short notice

Gladbach's sporting director Roland Virkus announced on Thursday that whether or not Mamadou Doucoure's replacement will be in the starting XI for Borussia Monchengladbach's Bundesliga match at VfL Bochum on Saturday (3:30 p.m.) will be decided at short notice.

"We'll see on matchday whether he'll play from the start or come off the bench," Virkus said of the French offensive player, who moved from Olympique Marseille to Borussia Park in the summer.

The 24-year-old had already been substituted in the 5-0 win against Bayer Leverkusen last Saturday and in the 3-1 win against 1. FC Union Berlin two weeks earlier. In the 1-0 win at FC Augsburg, Honorat was not in the squad due to muscular problems.

"We have to see how he reacts. He has a few small muscular problems and we don't want to take any risks," said Virkus, who emphasized that Honorat's commitment in training was "very good".

In Bochum, Gladbach will face a challenge against the surprise team of the season. "Bochum play with a lot of enthusiasm and energy. They're a very experienced team," said Virkus. Despite the euphoria surrounding the promoted club, Virkus sees his team as favorites: "We want to show that we are the better team and win the game."