1. FC Köln Faces Defensive Challenges with Key Injuries

1. FC Köln, recently promoted to the Bundesliga, is facing significant challenges in their defensive lineup. Following the long-term absence of former captain Tim Hübers, the club has now confirmed that central defender Joël Schmied is sidelined due to a muscle tear, as revealed by an MRI conducted on Sunday. Schmied has been a pivotal player for Köln, participating in all 11 league matches and starting in nine.

This injury marks Schmied as the fourth centre-back to be unavailable for the team this season. Both Hübers and Luca Kilian may not return this campaign, while summer signing Rav van den Berg has struggled with a shoulder injury and has not played since matchday three.

On a positive note, Köln’s head coach Lukas Kwasniok may soon have Van den Berg available for regular play again, as he recently participated with the Dutch U21 team and is resuming training sessions with his German club.

In addition, former Germany U21 captain Eric Martel, primarily a defensive midfielder, has stepped up admirably in the defense. Veteran Dominique Heintz and fellow summer recruit, Cenk Özkacar, who is currently on loan from Valencia and has seen limited action, are also available to bolster the back line.