1. FC Köln Faces Defensive Setbacks with Key Injuries

omidbasir- 1. FC Köln, newly promoted to the Bundesliga, is grappling with significant defensive challenges as they have confirmed the loss of central defender Joël Schmied due to a muscle tear, which will keep him sidelined for several weeks. An MRI conducted on Sunday revealed the injury, marking Schmied as the fourth center-back to be unavailable for the team this season. He has played in all eleven league fixtures, starting in nine of those matches.

This injury adds to the woes of Köln, who are already without former captain Tim Hübers for the long term. Additionally, Luca Kilian may not participate at all in the current campaign, and summer signing Rav van den Berg has been hindered by a shoulder injury, leaving him absent since matchday three.

On a positive note, Köln’s head coach Lukas Kwasniok may soon be able to rely on Van den Berg more regularly, as the former Middlesbrough player recently participated in matches with the Dutch U21 squad and is gradually returning to training with his club.

Meanwhile, Eric Martel, a former captain of the Germany U21 team and a defensive midfielder, has stepped up admirably to fill the gaps in the defense. Veteran Dominique Heintz, along with fellow summer acquisition Cenk Özkacar, who has had limited playing time, are also poised to provide support in this challenging situation.