FC Köln Team News Page 11 - Soccer

Eric Martel - Trains individually Martel (Achilles) is inching towards a return after training individually ahead of Saturday's match against Stuttgart.

Impact Martel is getting closer to a return after being deemed fit enough to train individually on Tuesday. The midfielder missed the last match due to an apparent Achilles injury and will be in risk of missing another if he isn't fit by Saturday. If he cannot go against Stuttgart, then expect Dejan Ljubicic or Florian Kainz to fill in his starting spot.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Damion Downs - Sidelined with illness Downs did not participate in training ahead of Saturday's match with Stuttgart due to an illness.

Impact Downs is currently being evaluated after being ruled out of training due to an illness. He has only seen seven minutes on the field this season so the injury shouldn't shake up too much within the lineup. If he is healthy by Saturday he most likely won't even play, and will only be an option off the bench.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Marvin Schwabe - Struggles continue Schwabe made four saves and allowed two goals in Saturday's 2-1 loss versus Werder Bremen.

Impact Schwabe has made 12 saves in five matches and already conceded nine goals. It's been a dreadful start to 2023/24 and the goalkeeper has struggled behind a lackluster defense. It's hard to say whether the blame falls on Schwabe or the defense but Schwabe has certainly worn the bad results.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Leart Paqarada - Busy in loss Paqarada recorded seven crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-1 defeat versus Werder Bremen.

Impact Paqarada had major volume yet again but still awaits his first Bundesliga goal contribution. The full-back is up to 32 crosses in five matches and has contributed just six chances created with that volume. Paqarada is the clear top choice at left-back and will keep this role as long as he is fit and available.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Florian Kainz - Five chances created Kainz generated two shots (zero on goal), eight crosses (three accurate) and five corners in Saturday's 2-1 loss versus Werder Bremen.

Impact Kainz created five chances and shot twice during Saturday's loss. The forward has still yet to provide an assist despite creating 10 chances in five matches and has scored just once. The Koln offense has been dreadful as a whole, leaving a major concern for where any sort of goal-scoring upside will come from for Kainz.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Davie Selke - Scores again Selke scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 2-1 defeat versus Werder Bremen.

Impact Selke is putting together a surprising run of good form with his second goal in as many matches. The striker isn't a major threat for significant goal contributions despite taking a leading role in the attack. Selke appears to be the top choice early in the season, but has put just three shots on goal.

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Florian Dietz - Returns to practice pitch Dietz joined team training on Tuesday ahead of Saturday's match against Werder Bremen.

Impact Dietz was back on the training field, practicing with the team on Tuesday. This is Dietz's first time taking part in team training since picking up the knee injury this off-season. It would be surprising to see him take part in Saturday's game against Werder Bremen, but he could be an option once again after that match.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Mark Uth - Joins team training Uth was back in training Tuesday ahead of Saturday's match against Werder Bremen.

Impact Uth was back on the training grounds after returning to team practice on Tuesday. He is yet to make an appearance this season due to a thigh injury he picked up during the offseason. He could be an option against Werder Bremen after joining training but most likely will not be rushed into action and instead will get his first option at playtime against Stuttgart.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Jan Thielmann - Signs extension Thielmann (strain) signed a contract extension with Koln through 2026, the club announced.

Impact Thielmann has yet to make his 2023/24 debut but is considered one of the more promising young attacking pieces in Koln when healthy. The winger will hope to get back on the pitch quickly and finally show the breakout season he's so frequently flirted with in each of the past three Bundesliga campaigns.

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Denis Huseinbasic - Logs assist in first season start Huseinbasic delivered an assist and sent in three inaccurate crosses during Saturday's 3-1 loss against Hoffenheim.

Impact Huseinbasic made his first start of the campaign and made most of the opportunity as he assisted Davie Selke for his side's lone goal. Mostly a super-sub during last year, the youngster will hope to receive more starts moving forward.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Davie Selke - Scores against Hoffenheim Selke scored a goal off four shots (two on target), created two chances and drew three fouls during Saturday's 3-1 loss against Hoffenheim.

Impact Selke was the most dangerous player for the hosts as he netted his first goal of the season with a right-footed shot in the 61st minute, assisted by Denis Huseinbasic and had a close-range shot miraculously saved by the goalkeeper during the opening minutes. Despite being on the losing side, the fact that he could not only score but also play the full 90 after recovering from an injury is very encouraging as the striker tries to regain the form displayed over the final weeks of the past campaign.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Marvin Schwabe - Concedes three versus Hoffenheim Schwabe made two saves and conceded three goals during Saturday's 3-1 loss against Hoffenheim.

Impact Schwabe had a disappointing performance as he conceded three goals, including one from behind the halfway line by Florian Grillitsch. The fact that he only made two saves made his fantasy output look even worse as the early-season struggles continue for him. With eight saves and seven goals allowed over four league starts, the goalkeeper will try to bounce back during next Saturday's visit to Werder Bremen.

SEPTEMBER 18, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Davie Selke - Starting against Hoffenheim Selke (strain) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Hoffenheim.

Impact Selke was a major doubt entering Saturday due to his recurrent fitness issues, but he recovered and will give it a go in the starting lineup. He's still searching for his first goal this season after starting in each of his two previous appearances.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Julian Chabot - Starts against Hoffenheim Chabot (undisclosed) is in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against Hoffenheim.

Impact Chabot was spotted training individually on Monday, and while his absence would've represented a massive blow on defense for Koln, he ended up recovering enough to remain in the starting XI. Through four appearances, Chabot has racked up nine clearances, eight blocked shots, seven tackles and six interceptions this season.

SEPTEMBER 16, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Eric Martel - Out Saturday Martel (Achilles) is out for Saturday's clash with Hoffenheim, according to manager Steffen Baumgart.

Impact Martel is out against Hoffenheim and potentially longer after picking up an Achilles tendon issue. With Mathias Olesen also ruled out this is a major issue in defensive midfield with Dejan Ljubicic the only option there. It remains to be seen if Koln will opt into a new formation or try and shift someone like Florian Kainz into a deeper-lying role.

SEPTEMBER 14, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Davie Selke - Back in team training Selke (strain) returned to team training and is trending toward being an option for Saturday's clash against Hoffenheim.

Impact Selke avoided a serious injury and seems to be progressing well, with the return to team training being another sign that he might end up being available for Saturday's clash against Hoffenheim. If he's not ready to start, then Sargis Adamyan could take his place in the lineup, as Steffen Tigges continues to work his way back from a shoulder injury.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Julian Chabot - Training individually Chabot (undisclosed) is training on his own and remains to be seen if he'll recover in time to face Hoffenheim on Saturday.

Impact Chabot was subbed off due to an injury in the 79th minute of Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Eintracht Frankfurt, but his potential absence would represent a massive blow for Koln at the back since he's started each of the previous three games at center-back. In case Chabot can't go Saturday, then Luca Kilian could take his place in the starting lineup.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Mathias Olesen - Picks up injury Olesen picked up a muscular injury while representing Luxembourg and is facing a spell on the sidelines.

Impact The midfielder picked up the injury during Luxembourg's 3-1 win over Iceland, where he was subbed off in the 64th minute, and further tests revealed he'll be forced to spend time sidelined while recovering. As such, the game against Hoffenheim comes too quick for him to recover, and he might have a shot at playing against Werder Bremen on Sep. 23. Given he's yet to start a game, his absence shouldn't alter many fantasy lineups.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Marvin Schwabe - Single save Schwabe recorded one save and allowed one goal in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Eintracht Frankfurt.

Impact Schwabe faced two shots and stopped one of them, coming away with a draw Sunday. The goalkeeper has conceded four goals and made six saves in the opening three Bundesliga matches. The goalkeeper only earned six clean sheets in the entirety of 2022-23 and isn't likely to find a significantly more behind a still-leaky defense.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Linton Maina - Two shots in return Maina recorded two shots (one on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Impact Maina made his way back into the starting XI ahead of the international break and sent in a pair of shots. The forward totaled 10 goal contributions in 2022-23 and should take a substantial role in 2023-24. Still Maina needs to get all of his fitness back and earn a starting role ahead of Davie Selke and Steffen Tigges.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Leart Paqarada - Two crosses for draw Paqarada registered two shots (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Eintracht Frankfurt.

Impact Paqarada sent in a pair of crosses, his 15th in three matches. He was unable to create a chance, but did add a season-high two shots and three tackles. The wing-back seems set to continue to grow his role in the starting XI and has done well to take over the job in the opening matches. Paqarada is still looking for his first Koln goal contribution.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Florian Kainz - Nets in draw Kainz scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal), three crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Eintracht Frankfurt.

Impact Kainz opened his account before the international break with a smooth finish during Sunday's one-all draw. The attacking midfielder hasn't gotten off to a hot start, but he has plenty of upside moving forward after earning 16 goal contributions in 2022-23. Kainz has been limited to just a single shot in three matches, and only three chances created.

SEPTEMBER 4, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Julian Chabot - Suffers injury Chabot was subbed off due to an injury in the 79th minute of Sunday's 1-1 draw versus Eintracht Frankfurt. "I can't say anything about what exactly he has and if he can play again...

Impact Chabot could not finish the match Sunday as he suffered from an undisclosed injury that forced him off. He had made all three starts at center back for FC Koln thus far. It is uncear if the defender will be ready after the international break. If he cannot return for Sep 16th's match against Hoffenheim, then Luca Kilian could grab the start.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Steffen Tigges - Features in XI against Frankfurt Tigges (shoulder) is in the starting lineup for Sunday's match against Frankfurt.

Impact Koln are severely depleted upfront, so having Tigges back is a huge boost to the team's forward line. The experienced striker, who recorded six goals across 30 appearances in 2022-23, is set to make his season debut here and will lead the attacking line.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

Linton Maina - Starting against Frankfurt Maina (back) is in the starting lineup for Sunday's match against Frankfurt.

Impact Maina was originally expected to return before the international break, but he recovered ahead of schedule and made his season debut last week, logging 13 minutes off the bench against Wolfsburg. This will be his first start of the season, though it's worth noting it comes due to the lack of options Koln have upfront.

SEPTEMBER 3, 2023 • ROTOWIRE

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