Schmelzer defended well and was an effective outlet on the left side despite conceding twice in Dortmund's 2-1 loss Saturday to Werder Bremen.

Schmelzer made a game high of nine crosses and was in possession more than any other player as he contributed considerably to Dortmund's cause. The full-back also went close when he volleyed over in the first half and despite a couple of poor deliveries from wide areas will be proud of a high-octane performance.

Schmelzer performed poorly and conceded two goals as Dortmund gained only a point Wednesday in a 2-2 draw with Wolfsburg.

Much like fellow full-back Erik Durm, Schmelzer found it difficult to get to grips with Wolfsburg's fluid attacking movement. He looked out of his depth, being weak defensively and offering little going forward. Dortmund's attacks struggled as a consequence, the team conceded a late equalizer and remain in relegation trouble.

Schmelzer was effective in both defense and attack but failed to keep a clean sheet as Dortmund lost 1-0 Saturday to Hertha Berlin.

Schmelzer has put in some decent performances since returning from a hand injury despite much of the Dortmund team being below par. He fought hard against Hertha Berlin, making more tackles than anyone on the team and offering an effective outlet going forward. Schmelzer also had a good attempt well-saved by Hertha goalkeeper Thomas Kraft in what was an impressive overall display by the full-back.

Schmelzer kept a clean sheet as Dortmund defeated Hoffenheim 1-0 Friday.

Schmelzer put in a fine defensive display and also contributed significantly to Dortmund's swift attacks. Apart from sending in some dangerous crosses from the left wing, he managed to have an impressive four shots on goal. It was only Schmelzer's third league appearance of the season due to groin and hand injurues but on this showing he may well keep his place in the team ahead of the inconsistent Erik Durm.

Schmelzer featured for the first time since injury on Oct. 4 in Dortmund's 2-0 loss Wednesday to Arsenal in the Champions League.

Schmelzer was back in action after breaking his hand against Hamburg in October. He failed to keep a clean sheet but did manage to play the entire 90 minutes, defending well enough but offering little going forward. Schmelzer was on decent form before injury and will give Jurgen Klopp a good alternative to inconsistent full-back Erik Durm.

Schmelzer made a surprise early return Tuesday following a hand injury, making the bench in Dortmund's 4-1 Champions League win over Galatasaray.

Schmelzer was ruled out for a month after breaking his hand against Hamburg in October but made a return ahead of schedule by appearing on the bench in the Champions League. Although the defender didn't make a playing return, his inclusion in the squad is a clear indication that Schmelzer is back to fitness.

Schmelzer has been ruled out for a month with a broken hand Bundesliga.com reports.

Schmelzer has joined Dortmund's extensive injury list after breaking his left hand Saturday and undergoing an operation in the evening. It's sad news for Schmelzer who has only just returned to the starting line-up after a groin injury, impressing in recent games with his defensive displays and dangerous set-pieces. "The operation went well" he says. "Now I have to work hard in order to get back on to the pitch as soon as possible." A struggling Dortmund side badly lacking in squad numbers must be desperately hoping that he will.