Borussia Dortmund have left Nigerian-born Swiss international, Manuel Akanji out of their updated list for the Europa League, preferring instead to include new arrival from Chelsea, Michy Batshuayi.
Both January signings had previously played in the UEFA Champions League for their former clubs, meaning Dortmund could not register the new duo for the Europa League, and they opted for Batshuayi when given permission on only one.
Dortmund head coach Peter Stoeger could only register one of his new recruits for the Europa League after signing Akanji from Basel and Batshuayi from Chelsea.
Belgium striker Batshuayi was signed on loan until the end of the season after Arsenal paid a club record £56 million ($79m, 63m euros) for Dortmund’s top-scorer Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Discarding Akanji for their European campaign could be a gamble after already losing two centre-backs in the January transfer window.
Ex-Barcelona defender Marc Bartra joined Real Betis and Neven Subotic moved to French league side St Etienne.
After finishing third in their Champions League group behind Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, Dortmund face Atalanta in the last 32 of the Europa League, with BVB hosting the Italians on February 15, before travelling for the return leg on February 22.
