1. FC Köln Faces Defensive Setback with Joël Schmied’s Injury

omidbasir- 1. FC Köln, newly promoted to the Bundesliga, is facing a significant setback in its defense with the injury of central defender Joël Schmied. Following an MRI conducted on Sunday, the club announced that Schmied has sustained a muscle tear, which will keep him off the field for several weeks. Until now, Schmied has been a key player for Köln, participating in all 11 league matches and starting in nine.

This injury marks Schmied as the fourth center-back to be unavailable for the team this season. Previously, former captain Tim Hübers and Luca Kilian have been ruled out for the entire campaign. Moreover, summer signing Rav van den Berg has struggled with a shoulder injury and has not played since matchday three.

However, there is a glimmer of hope for Köln as head coach Lukas Kwasniok may be able to integrate Van den Berg back into the lineup regularly. The former Middlesbrough player has recently played for the Dutch U21 team and is gradually returning to training with the club.

In the meantime, former Germany U21 captain Eric Martel, primarily a defensive midfielder, has stepped up admirably in the defense. Veteran Dominique Heintz and Cenk Özkacar, a Valencia loanee with limited playing time, are also available to provide support in the back line.