FC Köln Faces Defensive Setbacks with Key Injuries

omidbasir- 1. FC Köln, newly promoted to the Bundesliga, is grappling with significant injury issues in their defensive lineup. The club has confirmed that central defender Joël Schmied sustained a muscle tear, as revealed by an MRI on Sunday. This injury will keep Schmied sidelined for several weeks. Up until this point, he has been a vital part of the squad, participating in all 11 league matches and starting in nine.

Schmied’s injury marks him as the fourth center-back to be unavailable for Köln this season. Former captain Tim Hübers is already out for the long term, while Luca Kilian’s participation in the current campaign remains uncertain. Additionally, summer signing Rav van den Berg has been affected by a shoulder injury and has not played since matchday three.

Despite these setbacks, there is a glimmer of hope for Köln as head coach Lukas Kwasniok may soon reintegrate Van den Berg into the squad. The player has recently competed for the Dutch U21 team and has returned to training with Köln on a semi-regular basis.

In the meantime, former Germany U21 captain Eric Martel, who typically plays as a defensive midfielder, has effectively stepped in to bolster the defense. Veteran Dominique Heintz and Cenk Özkacar, a summer acquisition on loan from Valencia with limited playing time, are also available to provide support in the backline.