1. FC Köln Faces Defensive Challenges with Key Injuries

1. FC Köln, newly promoted to the Bundesliga, is currently grappling with significant defensive challenges as they lose another key player. Central defender Joël Schmied has been diagnosed with a muscle tear following an MRI conducted on Sunday, which will keep him out of action for several weeks. Schmied has been a reliable presence, participating in all 11 league matches and starting in nine of those games.

This injury marks Schmied as the fourth center-back sidelined for Köln this season. Former captain Tim Hübers is out for the long term, while fellow defender Luca Kilian may also miss the rest of the campaign. Additionally, summer signing Rav van den Berg has been struggling with a shoulder injury and has not featured since matchday three.

However, there is some optimism for Köln’s head coach, Lukas Kwasniok, as Van den Berg appears to be returning to form, having recently played for the Dutch U21 team and resumed training with his club on a semi-regular basis.

In the meantime, former Germany U21 captain Eric Martel, primarily a defensive midfielder, has stepped up admirably in the defensive line. Veteran Dominique Heintz and Cenk Özkacar, a summer acquisition on loan from Valencia who has had limited playing time, are also options to bolster the defense as the team navigates through these injury setbacks.