1. FC Köln Faces Defensive Setbacks with Key Injuries

1. FC Köln, the newly promoted Bundesliga club, is grappling with defensive challenges as they announce the long-term absence of former captain Tim Hübers and the recent injury of central defender Joël Schmied. An MRI conducted on Sunday confirmed that Schmied has sustained a muscle tear, which will keep him sidelined for several weeks. He has been a key player for Köln, participating in all 11 league matches and starting in nine of them.

Schmied’s injury marks him as the fourth center-back to be unavailable for die Geißböcke this season. Hübers and Luca Kilian are unlikely to play at all during the current campaign, while summer signing Rav van den Berg has been hampered by a shoulder injury, resulting in his absence since matchday three.

Despite these setbacks, head coach Lukas Kwasniok may soon be able to integrate Van den Berg into the squad more regularly, as the former Middlesbrough defender has recently played for the Dutch U21 team and is returning to training with Köln on a semi-regular basis.

In light of these injuries, former Germany U21 captain Eric Martel, who primarily plays as a defensive midfielder, has stepped up effectively to support the defense. Additionally, veteran Dominique Heintz, along with summer acquisition Cenk Özkacar, who has had limited playing time, may provide valuable assistance in the backline.