First-half goals by Mario Gotze and Robert Lewandowski were followed by the killer strike from Kevin Grosskreutz on 78 minutes to give Juergen Klopp’s side the three points.

There was no place for Zidan even though Klopp implied that the Egypt striker could be given his first start this season, amid the injuries of some players upfront.

Dortmund were helped by the massive defeat of title-rivals Bayer Leverkusen, who were thrashed 5-1 at Bayern Munich.

Bayern have been inspired by a first-half hat-trick from Mario Gomez, who became the top scorer of the league after recording his fourth treble this term.

Dortmund have 69 points on top, Leverkusen remain second on 61, while defending champions Bayern are third on 55.