FC Köln Team News - Soccer

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.

1 DAY AGO • 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.

1 DAY AGO • 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.

1 DAY AGO • 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.

3 DAYS AGO • 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.

3 DAYS AGO • 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.

3 DAYS AGO • 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.

4 DAYS AGO • 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.

5 DAYS AGO • 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.

5 DAYS AGO • 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.

5 DAYS AGO • 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.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Thijs Dallinga - Battling illness Dallinga (illness) missed Wednesday's training session and remains uncertain for Friday's clash against Stuttgart, according to coach Rene Wagner. "We have to take it day by day no...

Impact Dallinga's illness leaves his availability uncertain for Friday, with his recovery over the next couple of days set to determine whether he can be included. The forward has been competing with Ragnar Ache for the role up front, and Ache is expected to lead the line if Dallinga is unable to recover in time.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Borna Sosa - Available against Stuttgart Sosa is available for Friday's clash against Stuttgart, according to coach Rene Wagner. "Sosa is fit. He took part in preseason with his former club and is fully fit."

Impact Sosa arrives at Koln ready for immediate involvement after completing a season-long loan move from Crystal Palace. His fitness shouldn't be an obstacle after taking part in preseason before the transfer, though it remains to be seen whether Wagner will hand him an immediate start or initially use him off the bench.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Borna Sosa - Loaned out to Koln Sosa will spend the 2026/27 season on loan at Koln from Crystal Palace.

Impact Sosa was tipped to have a backup role at Selhurst Park once again in the 2026/27 season, but he'll move to the Bundesliga looking to earn some much-needed first-team action. This isn't a new environment for Sosa, as he spent five seasons at Stuttgart between the 2018/19 and 2023/24 campaigns.

6 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Mikey Moore - Joins Koln on season-long loan deal Moore completed a season-long loan move from Tottenham Hotspur to FC Koln on Monday.

Impact Moore spent the 2025/26 season on loan at Rangers, notching seven goals and four assists while logging almost 2,800 minutes in the Scottish Premiership. The Bundesliga will prove to be a tougher environment, but if he secures a steady role playing with Koln, he will have a big chance to finally stay in Tottenham's squad for the 2027/28 campaign.

AUGUST 31 • ROTOWIRE

Alessio Castro-Montes - Eight crosses in opener Castro-Montes generated eight crosses (three accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 3-2 win versus Hoffenheim.

Impact Castro-Montes started at right back in the season opener and had a strong performance. He recorded a team-high eight crosses and also created two chances and took three corners on the attack. He did his duties on the defensive end too, recording three clearances and two tackles before being replaced in the 93rd minute for Joel Schmied.

AUGUST 30 • ROTOWIRE

Linton Maina - Assists in comeback win Maina assisted once to go with one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 3-2 victory against Hoffenheim.

Impact Maina subbed onto the pitch in the 65th minute of Saturday's season opener, and just two minutes later Hoffenheim took the 2-1 lead. In the 72nd minute, Maina whipped in a cross that found Thijs Dallinga open in the box, who proceeded to slot home the equalizer. Dallinga went on to score the winner 10 minutes later. It was a strong way for Maina to start the season, though he's likely set to remain as primarily a bench open again this campaign.

AUGUST 30 • ROTOWIRE

Said El Mala - Scores in season opener El Mala scored one goal to go with six shots (three on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 3-2 win over Hoffenheim. He was injured and subbed out in the 65th minute...

Impact El Mala had a strong start to the season Saturday as he scored an unassisted goal in the 51st minute to tie the match at 1-1. It was one of a team-high six shots he took in the match, showing he's ready to keep up his form from last season. He scored 13 goals and recorded four assists across 34 appearances (20 starts) last season and is now off to a promising start in the new campaign.

AUGUST 30 • ROTOWIRE

Thijs Dallinga - Scores brace in comeback win Dallinga scored two goals to go with three shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 3-2 win against Hoffenheim.

Impact Dallinga subbed onto the pitch in the 65th minute of Saturday's season opener -- also his club debut -- and just two minutes later his side found themselves with a 2-1 deficit. Dallinga equalized quickly with a strike in the 72nd minute, then scored the winner in the 82nd minute. It was quite the debut for the forward and it's one that may earn him more playing time as the season progresses.

AUGUST 30 • ROTOWIRE

Marvin Schwabe - Concedes twice in opener Schwabe recorded two saves (including a penalty save) and allowed two goals in Saturday's 3-2 win over Hoffenheim.

Impact Schwabe conceded a pair of goals Saturday, both following set pieces, but thanks to a late comeback he still began the season with a win. He also made a crucial play in the match as he saved Max Moerstedt's penalty in the 57th minute, his fifth penalty save in his Bundesliga career. Next up is a road trip to VfB Stuttgart on Friday.

AUGUST 30 • ROTOWIRE

Linton Maina - Option off bench Maina (shin) is on the bench for Saturday's opener against Hoffenheim.

Impact Maina recovered from the mild shin injury he sustained in a training duel Tuesday, returning to team training later in the week in line with the club's expectations and earning a spot in the squad for the Bundesliga opener. The winger had been in contention for a starting role before the setback, but Jan Thielmann's involvement in the cup gave him the edge for the starting spot with Maina eased back carefully after the knock. His return to the XI is expected to follow quickly as he builds his sharpness over the opening fixtures of the campaign.

AUGUST 29 • ROTOWIRE

Luca Waldschmidt - Out against Hoffenheim Waldschmidt (muscle) will miss the Bundesliga opener against Hoffenheim as he continues his rehabilitation, according to coach Rene Wagner. "Waldschmidt is taking things a little e...

Impact Waldschmidt will sit out the opener as Koln give him additional time to fully recover from his muscular issue. The problem is not considered serious, with the forward expected to step up his workload next week and work toward returning at full fitness. His absence against Hoffenheim should therefore be a short-term one if his rehabilitation continues as planned.

AUGUST 27 • ROTOWIRE

Linton Maina - Expected to be available Saturday Maina suffered only a mild shin injury and is expected to return to training later this week, which could put him in contention for Saturday's opener against Hoffenheim, according...

Impact Maina suffered a mild shin injury during a training duel Tuesday and was forced to leave the session early. He is expected to rest Wednesday before returning to team training later this week, with the club anticipating he will be available Saturday. He had been in contention for a starting role, but Jan Thielmann's involvement in the cup could give him the edge even if Maina is fit.

AUGUST 25 • ROTOWIRE

Linton Maina - Picks up injury in training Maina was forced to leave Tuesday's training session early after suffering an injury and is uncertain for Saturday's Bundesliga opener against Hoffenheim, according to Bild.

Impact Maina suffered the issue following a challenge during Tuesday's session and initially attempted to continue before eventually leaving the pitch in visible discomfort. The exact severity remains unclear, though there is hope the problem is limited to a knock and will not prevent him from featuring Saturday. Maina had been pushing for a starting role following a strong preseason and an assist in the DFB-Pokal win over Wurzburger Kickers. His status will depend on further assessment, with Jan Thielmann a likely option on the right flank if Maina is unable to recover in time.

AUGUST 25 • ROTOWIRE

Ellyes Skhiri - Returns to Koln Skhiri has completed a move to Cologne from Frankfurt with immediate effect, the club announced.

Impact Skhiri originally left Cologne for Frankfurt in the summer of 2023 and went on to make 82 Bundesliga appearances, six in the German Cup and 29 in European competitions for the club, contributing seven goals and seven assists. Skhiri is expected to add experience and quality to a Koln midfield that already includes Tom Krauss, Isak Johannesson and Marius Bulter, giving the club a proven Bundesliga presence in the middle of the park as he returns to a familiar environment.

AUGUST 21 • ROTOWIRE

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