Dortmund's Karetsas could be fit to face 'pinnacle' Bayern, says Kovač

Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovač has left open whether attacker Konstantinos Karetsas will play in the Bundesliga table topper at Bayern Munich on Saturday.

The Greek close-season signing suffered a ligament injury during the game at Union Berlin in mid-October. He has since missed wins against Sabah, Eintracht Frankfurt and Werder Bremen in the German Cup on Tuesday. 

"Kosta trained with the team in part today. The plan is for him to train with the squad tomorrow. Then we will make the decision whether he is ready for Munich or not," Kovač told a news conference on Thursday.

"The lads who played the last game are all fit." 

Kovač is looking forward to the clash with his ex-side Bayern, who ran away with the title last term.

"It is the Klassiker. After a long time, we have the chance to travel to Munich level on points. That makes the game more exciting, but not easier. Bayern are the pinnacle not only in Germany but in Europe. We have to play 90 minutes at the very highest level," the 55-year-old said.

Kovač rejected criticism of a lack of consistency from his squad after a 2-0 lead was squandered in the cup, only for Marcel Sabitzer to score a late free-kick. 

"There is no team in the world that dominates the opponent for 90 minutes," countered the coach, before stressing the standard required against the record champions. 

"We have to play at the very highest level. We have the ambition to take something from down there (in Munich). We know it is a tough ask. But we are Dortmund."