Borussia Dortmund attacking midfielder Konstantinos Karetsas is racing to recover in time for Saturday’s Bundesliga Klassiker against Bayern Munich, head coach Niko Kovac confirmed on Thursday.

The Greece international, one of Dortmund’s major signings this season, sustained an ankle injury during the 0-0 draw with Union Berlin on October 17.

The setback came shortly after Karetsas had returned to action following a collapse in September, which the club attributed to circulatory problems.

Providing an update on the midfielder’s fitness, Kovac said Karetsas had completed part of Thursday’s training session with the squad.

“He trained in part with the team today. It was matchday plus two and minus two, so it was not too intensive,” Kovac told reporters at a press conference.

Borussia Dortmund secured their place in the third round of the German Cup on Tuesday, claiming a dramatic 3-2 victory over Werder Bremen with a late winner at home.

Kovac provided a further update on Karetsas’ recovery, explaining that the midfielder had taken part in his first training session with the team since suffering the ankle injury.

“Today was the first time Karetsas trained with the team. The plan is that, if everything goes well tomorrow, he will train with the squad again, and then we will decide whether he is ready to travel to Munich or not,” Kovac said.

Dortmund and Bayern Munich remain unbeaten in the Bundesliga this season, with both clubs sitting on 17 points. Bayern lead the standings on goal difference.

However, Dortmund have struggled to match Bayern’s attacking output, scoring 12 goals in seven league matches compared with the Bavarian side’s 25.

“It’s the Klassiker, and for the first time in a while, we go into the match level on points,” Kovac said.

“That makes the game more exciting, but it certainly doesn’t make it any easier. Bayern are the benchmark, not just in Germany but across Europe.

“We may have an opportunity this time to get a result in our favour, but as I’ve said, it will be a difficult challenge.”