FC Köln Team News - Soccer

Alessio Castro-Montes - Unlikely to return against Gladbach Castro-Montes (muscle) remains out of team training and is unlikely to be available for the Oct. 11 derby against Borussia Monchengladbach, according to Geissblog.

Impact Castro-Montes has yet to resume team training after the international break began and remains without a clear timetable for his return. The right-back's continued absence makes the Gladbach match likely to come too soon, with Cologne expected to remain cautious with his recovery. Sebastian Sebulonsen should continue to benefit from Castro-Montes' absence on the right side of the defense.

23 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Mikey Moore - Scores on England U20 debut Moore scored on his England U20 debut while captaining the side in Friday's 3-1 win over Italy.

Impact Moore enjoyed an impressive first appearance at U20 level, starting and playing the full match while scoring England's second goal shortly after halftime with a finish from a cutback. Wearing the captain's armband added another milestone to a productive international outing, while the 90 minutes provided valuable playing time as he continues his development on loan at Koln. Moore will have another opportunity to build on the performance when England face France on Tuesday.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Alessio Castro-Montes - Diagnosed with muscle injury Castro-Montes has been diagnosed with a muscle injury sustained during Saturday's match against Hamburg and will be sidelined for the time being, according to the club.

Impact Castro-Montes is facing a spell on the sidelines after being forced off during the second half against Hamburg. Koln have yet to provide a timetable for the right-back's return, making his availability for the first match after the international break uncertain. The break will give Castro-Montes additional recovery time, though more clarity on the severity of the injury will be needed before a potential return date can be established.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Ellyes Skhiri - Assists in two straight Skhiri had an assist with his lone chance created while crossing once accurately and making two tackles during Saturday's 2-1 loss to Hamburg.

Impact Skhiri set up Ragner Ache in the 90th minute while leading Koln with his two tackles. The midfielder has assists in two straight matches while combining for three shots, five chances created and five tackles over his last three appearances.

SEPTEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Alessio Castro-Montes - Forced off against Hambruger Castro-Montes was replaced in the 67th minute of Saturday's 2-1 loss to Hamburger SV after appearing to suffer a thigh injury.

Impact Castro-Montes appeared to pick up a right posterior thigh issue in a duel with Zakaria El Ouahdi during Saturday's loss to Hamburger SV, signaling that he could not continue before being replaced in the 67th minute. Nothing has been confirmed regarding the severity of the injury, so the early withdrawal could prove to be a short-term concern rather than a significant setback. An assessment should provide a clearer indication of whether the full-back can continue without missing time.

SEPTEMBER 19 • ROTOWIRE

Paul Okon-Engstler - Left out of traveling squad Okon-Engstler is out for Saturday's match against Hamburger after not being picked for the traveling squad, but is not dealing with an injury, according to Marc Merten of Geissblog...

Impact Okon-Engstler has not been selected for the team for Saturday despite a starting role in two of the three games to open the season. However, it is not due to injury, as he has instead been left out for sporting reasons, as other players get into the team. This should open up some more time for Luca Waldschmidt, although Okon-Engstler will likely return to the team sheet soon.

SEPTEMBER 18 • ROTOWIRE

Timo Hubers - Undergoes second knee surgery Hubers underwent a second surgery on his injured knee in mid August, after his rehabilitation process following the first operation did not progress as hoped, according to Kicker.

Impact Hubers has been sidelined since suffering the serious knee injury against Borussia Dortmund in October 2025, with Koln already not expecting a return before the second half of the season regardless. Whether this second procedure affects that broader timeline remains unclear for now, and his recovery will continue to be closely tracked given his standing as the club's captain.

SEPTEMBER 16 • ROTOWIRE

Marvin Schwabe - Four saves for draw Schwabe registered four saves and allowed one goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Werder Bremen.

Impact Schwabe stopped four of the five shots he faced during Saturday's draw. The goalkeeper wasn't overly tested throughout the match, but he did make some huge saves when needed. Schwabe will likely be heavily tested throughout this season as Koln are likely to struggle to control matches.

SEPTEMBER 13 • ROTOWIRE

Mikey Moore - Decent in draw Moore had three shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus Werder Bremen.

Impact Moore put together a decent showing during Saturday's draw, though he failed to really impress as he only put a single shot on goal. The attacking midfielder is growing into his role in Koln, and as that role continues to grow he should be in line for more minutes and more chances.

SEPTEMBER 13 • ROTOWIRE

Ellyes Skhiri - Adds assist Skhiri assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and three chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Werder Bremen.

Impact Skhiri provided one assist during Saturday's draw. He's a purely-defensive midfielder but he has the talent to occasionally pop up with goal contributions. The holding midfielder will remain a limited option moving forward, but he has some upside occasionally, but he's still a risky option week-to-week.

SEPTEMBER 13 • ROTOWIRE

Linton Maina - Scores for point Maina scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), three crosses (zero accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Werder Bremen.

Impact Maina scored on his only shot during Saturday's draw, making the most of his chance to earn the point. Koln had a few other chances throughout the match, but only Maina was able to finish his. It's not likely to be consistent with Maina, as Koln probably won't be too impressive in the attack.

SEPTEMBER 13 • ROTOWIRE

Luca Waldschmidt - Returns to contention Waldschmidt (muscular) is available for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Werder Bremen after recovering from the issue that kept him out of Koln's opening matches of the season,...

Impact Waldschmidt has completed his recovery after returning to team training ahead of the Stuttgart match but being held out while he rebuilt his fitness. The attacker is now available for selection against Bremen and provides Koln with another experienced option in the final third. Having yet to feature competitively this season, Waldschmidt may initially have to settle for a role off the bench as he works his way back into the rotation.

SEPTEMBER 11 • ROTOWIRE

Sebastian Sebulonsen - Back available against Bremen Sebulonsen (thigh) is available for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Werder Bremen after recovering from his muscular injury, according to coach Rene Wagner. "Everyone is back e...

Impact Sebulonsen returned to full team training last week but was not considered ready to face Stuttgart after spending several weeks on the sidelines. The right-back has now had additional time to rebuild his fitness and is back in contention for Saturday's squad against Bremen. His availability strengthens Koln's options on the right side of defense, though his recent layoff could lead to a cautious return to competitive action rather than an immediate heavy workload.

SEPTEMBER 11 • ROTOWIRE

Said El Mala - Fully fit, expected to start El Mala (illness) is fit again and available for coach Rene Wagner ahead of the home match against Werder Bremen, according to BILD.

Impact El Mala had missed the match against Stuttgart due to a cold, but is now back fully on board and is expected to return immediately to Koln's starting lineup. He could line up alongside new signing Mikey Moore, who impressed after coming on as a substitute in Stuttgart, with the pair considered a strong candidate pairing to start against Bremen given El Mala's established role under manager Wagner.

SEPTEMBER 11 • ROTOWIRE

Said El Mala - Remains limited to individual work El Mala (illness) worked individually Monday as he continues his recovery from a cold, according to the club.

Impact El Mala missed the training sessions leading up to Friday's clash with Stuttgart and was subsequently unavailable for the match. He has yet to rejoin full team training, leaving his availability for Saturday's match against Werder Bremen uncertain. His progress during the week will determine whether the 20-year-old attacker can return to the squad.

SEPTEMBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Thijs Dallinga - Returns to training Dallinga (illness) returned to training Monday after recovering from a gastrointestinal infection, according to the club.

Impact Dallinga missed training in the buildup to the Stuttgart match and was subsequently unavailable for the fixture due to illness. His return to the training pitch at the start of the week puts him back in contention ahead of Saturday's clash with Werder Bremen, though his involvement could depend on how he responds to the full week of work after the brief layoff.

SEPTEMBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Sebastian Sebulonsen - Returns to full team training Sebulonsen (thigh) has returned to full team training after recovering from a muscular injury, according to the club.

Impact Sebulonsen had already resumed partial training last week but was not ready to make the squad against Stuttgart due to a lack of match fitness following several weeks on the sidelines. Monday's return to the full team program represents another significant step in his recovery, giving the right-back a complete training week to rebuild his conditioning. It remains uncertain whether he will be ready to return to the matchday squad against Werder Bremen on Saturday.

SEPTEMBER 7 • ROTOWIRE

Marius Bulter - Prevents clean sheet Bulter scored a goal while taking three shots (two on goal) and creating a chance during Friday's 4-1 loss to Stuttgart.

Impact Bulter entered the match in the 75th minute and scored six minutes into his appearance while leading Koln in shots. The attacker has totaled just 16 minutes across two substitute appearances through the opening two matches this season.

SEPTEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Isak Bergmann Johannesson - Sends in six crosses Johannesson took an off target shot, crossed six times (one accurate) and created a chance during Friday's 4-1 loss to Stuttgart.

Impact Johannesson was held off the scoresheet while finishing with the team-high in crosses and second most shots and chances created on the team. The midfielder has combined for two shots, four chances created and 12 crosses through the opening two matches of the season.

SEPTEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Marvin Schwabe - Concedes four to Stuttgart Schwabe allowed four goals while making four saves during Friday's 4-1 loss to Stuttgart.

Impact Schwabe allowed a goal in the first half and three in the second as Koln dropped all three points Friday. The keeper has allowed six goals while combining for six saves over the opening two Bundesliga matches. Koln take on Werder Bremen at home in Gameweek 3.

SEPTEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Said El Mala - Missing Friday El Mala (illness) is out for Friday's match against Stuttgart.

Impact El Mala was unlikely due to his illness and will end up missing out due to it, with the forward not even on the bench. This will leave Koln without a starter and a goal scorer from their last match, with Linton Maina starting in his place until fit again.

SEPTEMBER 4 • ROTOWIRE

Said El Mala - Unlikely to face Stuttgart El Mala (illness) is unlikely to be available for Friday's Bundesliga clash against Stuttgart after missing the trip with the team due to a cold, according to Geissblog.

Impact El Mala has missed the last two training sessions and wasn't part of Koln's traveling squad Thursday, making his involvement Friday unlikely. A late appearance hasn't been completely ruled out, as he could travel separately if his condition improves significantly, though a role off the bench would be the most realistic scenario in that case. Linton Maina should be in line for increased minutes on the wing if El Mala is ultimately unavailable.

SEPTEMBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Thijs Dallinga - Ruled out against Stuttgart Dallinga (illness) has been ruled out for Friday's Bundesliga clash against Stuttgart due to a gastrointestinal infection, according to Geissblog.

Impact Dallinga missed team training Wednesday and Thursday and has now been left behind for the trip to Stuttgart, confirming his absence. The illness comes at an unfortunate time after the striker scored twice off the bench in the 3-2 win over Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga opener. Ragnar Ache is expected to benefit from Dallinga's absence and should be the leading candidate to start up front Friday.

SEPTEMBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Luca Waldschmidt - Remains out against Stuttgart Waldschmidt (muscular) will remain unavailable for Friday's Bundesliga clash against Stuttgart despite returning to team training, according to Geissblog.

Impact Waldschmidt has now resumed work with the group after muscular problems kept him out of Koln's opening two competitive matches of the season. However, the 30-year-old still needs time to rebuild his fitness following the layoff, and Koln won't take any risks by bringing him back too quickly. His return to full training is nevertheless an encouraging step, and he could be back in contention for the matchday squad in the near future.

SEPTEMBER 3 • ROTOWIRE

Said El Mala - Illness clouds Friday status El Mala (illness) was unable to train Wednesday and is considered day-to-day ahead of Friday's matchup with Stuttgart, according to coach Rene Wagner. "We have to take it day by da...

Impact El Mala still has time to recover before Friday's contest, but missing Wednesday's session puts his availability in some doubt. Koln will assess his condition closer to the match, and Linton Maina could benefit from increased playing time on the wing if El Mala is unavailable.

SEPTEMBER 2 • ROTOWIRE

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