Bayer Leverkusen has been dealt a major blow to its Bundesliga title defense, and Borussia Dortmund’s malaise has continued through Niko Kovač’s debut as coach.

Borussia Dortmund fell to a 2-1 home defeat to Stuttgart on Saturday in Niko Kovac's first game at the helm, slipping further away from the Bundesliga's top four.

Niko Kovac will name his first eleven as Borussia Dortmund head coach when they host Stuttgart at the Signal Iduna Park in the Bundesliga on Saturday afternoon. Two players he will have to do without