FC Köln Team News Page 21 - Soccer

Dejan Ljubicic - Set for January return Ljubicic (knee) is set to return for team training on Jan. 2, manager Steffen Baumgart told reporters.

Impact Ljubicic is continuing to recover from a serious knee injury, but is expected to return to training for the beginning of Koln's January training camp. The midfielder will have three weeks to complete his recovery before the Bundesliga begins once more.

DECEMBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Tim Lemperle - Returns to team training Lemperle (ankle) returned to full team training manager Steffen Baumgart told KSTA.

Impact Lemperle made a full return to training as he continues to recover from an ankle injury. Lemperle is on pace for a return to start the second half of the Bundesliga, where he could be put straight into the starting XI as Koln continue to struggle offensively.

DECEMBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Dimitris Limnios - Returns to training Limnios (knee) took part in team training during the Winter session, Koln announced.

Impact Limnios suffered a knee injury after moving on loan to Koln. The forward is back on the training pitch and will hope to make his debut for Koln during the second half of the Bundesliga.

DECEMBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Mark Uth - Targeting February return Uth (groin) is expected to be sidelined until February at the earliest, according to a report by Bild.

Impact Uth has dealt with adductor issues throughout the first half of the Bundesliga and has aggravated those issues during the Koln training camp. With Uth expected to miss the start of the second half of the Bundesliga, Steffen Tigges will likely retain a major role in the starting XI.

DECEMBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Ellyes Skhiri - Two shots, two interceptions Skhiri had two shots (zero on target) and one chance created in Tuesday's 0-0 draw against Denmark. He also made two interceptions.

Impact Skhiri played the full 90 during a matchup largely contested within the middle third. His two shots and two interceptions were both team-highs for a very defensive but effective Tunisia squad. The Koln midfielder should continue as a focal point as the group stage rolls along.

NOVEMBER 22, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Timo Horn - Remains second in depth chart Horn has yet to make an appearances in the 2022/23 Bundesliga.

Impact Horn sits behind Marvin Schwabe in the depth chart, and doesn't seem set on making his way back to the top of the depth chart. The goalkeeper lost his job to Schwabe when he got COVID, and despite some lapses by Schwabe, Horn has been left on the bench as a veteran leadership role.

NOVEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Steffen Tigges - Three goals with Koln Tigges scored three goals during 12 appearances (nine starts) in the first half of the Bundesliga.

Impact Tigges departed Dortmund in search of more playing time with Koln, and has taken a step forward. The striker hasn't been a nailed-on starter, but when fit he has led the line, scoring three times, a tally that already ties his single-season best.

NOVEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Denis Huseinbasic - Three goal contributions Huseinbasic scored twice and assisted once in the opening nine matches of the Bundesliga.

Impact Huseinbasic has three goal contributions in his first season with the Koln first team. The midfielder has seen consistent playing time off the bench, though barring injuries he seems set to remain on the bench. Huseinbasic's three goal contributions all came in the space of three matches, and on his only two shots on goal. Huseinbasic has added four chances created across his three starts.

NOVEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Kingsley Schindler - Sees consistent playing time Schindler made 14 appearances (three starts) in the first half of the Bundesliga.

Impact Schindler is on pace to blow past his previous career-best in appearances a tally set at just 18. Schindler could also have the chance to set a new career-best for minutes and starts, though he has yet to earn a goal contribution, after assisting twice in each of his previous two seasons.

NOVEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Luca Kilian - Major role continues Kilian scored once during 13 starts in the first half of the Bundesliga.

Impact Kilian missed two matches with minor injuries, but outside of those matches, and the matches where picked up the injury, he's played every single match. Kilian broke out with Koln in the 2021/22 campaign, and Kilian has now established himself as a nailed-on starter in central defense.

NOVEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Eric Martel - Starting role earned Martel started the final six matches before the World Cup break.

Impact Martel made three starts in the opening six matches before returning to the bench. The final six matches have all been starts for Martel, who has seemingly started to realize his potential and break into the starting XI consistently.

NOVEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Ondrej Duda - Struggling for end product Duda has failed to get on the scoresheet during 13 appearances (nine starts) in the first half of the Bundesliga.

Impact Duda has gone through a massive regression in recent seasons, scoring seven times and adding four assists during his first season with Koln. The midfielder then struggled to just two goals and no assists in the 2021/22 campaign, and has now failed to get on the scoresheet at all during the first half of the 2022/23 Bundesliga. Duda has also seen a reduction in his playing time to go along with the poor form. Duda will be looking for a return to form after the international break, though he is now more than to years separated from consistent fantasy production.

NOVEMBER 16, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Marvin Schwabe - Makes six saves against Hertha Schwabe made six saves and three clearances while allowing two goals during Saturday's 2-0 loss against Hertha Berlin.

Impact Schwabe was beaten once each half and couldn't do much to prevent either goal as both came off unmarked, close-range finishes. On the other hand, he made several saves that avoided an even bigger loss for his side. Overall, the goalkeeper has been mostly struggling this campaign and the 19 goals allowed and just 13 saves over the last seven starts aren't exactly encouraging.

NOVEMBER 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Jonas Hector - Nice defensive stats versus Hertha Hector sent in three inaccurate crosses, made three tackles (two won), six clearances, two interceptions and one block and drew four fouls during Saturday's 2-0 loss against Hertha...

Impact Hector didn't deliver offensively but at least remained a very solid defensive contributor, putting up numbers in any category on that end and not allowing opposition to generate offense from his flank. Despite the lack of appearances on the scoresheet, the left-back remains a great two-way asset and is currently on pace to have the best statistical season of his career.

NOVEMBER 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Florian Kainz - Active offensively against Hertha Kainz had three shots (one on target), created one chance, sent in 12 crosses (one accurate), made three tackles (one won) and drew three fouls during Saturday's 2-0 loss against H...

Impact Kainz was Koln's lone positive on the attacking end, creating several plays from the left flank but didn't find a partner to convert them into goals. With five goals and four assists over 14 appearances and currently leading all Bundesliga players in crosses, the winger will be one of his club's biggest hopes for the second half of the season.

NOVEMBER 14, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Benno Erik Schmitz - Forced off with injury Schmitz was forced off in the second half of Saturday's match with Hertha Berlin due to an injury.

Impact Schmitz left in the 50th minute, being replaced by Kingsley Schindler. The defender was a surprise pick in the starting XI and may have aggravated an ankle injury that was expected to keep him out of Saturday's match.

NOVEMBER 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Timo Hubers - Starting against Hertha Hubers is fit and in the starting Xi for Saturday's match against Hertha Berlin.

Impact Hubers returns after dealing with a thigh injury that has kept him out of Koln's previous two matches. The defender has started ten of his 11 league appearances, making a team-high 60 clearances.

NOVEMBER 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Benno Erik Schmitz - Surprise starter Schmitz is fit and in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Hertha Berlin.

Impact Schmitz is surprisingly starting straightaway after being ruled out by manager Steffen Baumgart on Friday. The fullback scored his first goal of the season in mid week, as he's provided 46 crosses and helped Koln keep one clean sheet during his time on the pitch.

NOVEMBER 12, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Timo Hubers - Potential for return Hubers (thigh) trained fully Friday and could be an option for the bench during Saturday's trip to Hertha, according to manager Steffen Baumgart.

Impact Hubers returned to full team training and is a potential option for Saturday's trip to Hertha, though likely only on the bench. The defender missed the previous two Bundesliga matches with a muscle bruise, but seems to have a chance to return in some capacity before the Winter break, where he will have more than enough time to recover fully.

NOVEMBER 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Benno Erik Schmitz - Ruled out Schmitz (ankle) is out for Saturday's trip to Hertha Berlin, according to manager Steffen Baumgart.

Impact Schmitz is set to miss the final match before the Winter break due to an ankle issue. Kingsley Schindler was named as the replacement at right-back, a role he's played well in the past. Schindler offers more going forward but likely won't be as defensively stout as Schmitz, who now has three months to fully recover from the ankle issue.

NOVEMBER 11, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Marvin Schwabe - Concedes twice in second half Schwabe allowed two goals while making a save during Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Leverkusen.

Impact Schwabe allowed two second half goals including the game winner in the 71st minute as Koln dropped all three points. The keeper has now allowed 27 goals in 14 league starts while his lone save upped his season total to 30.

NOVEMBER 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Benno Erik Schmitz - Scores, leaves injured Schmitz scored a goal, but also left with an ankle injury during Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Leverkusen.

Impact Schmitz found the back of the net in the 30th minute, opening the scoring in the match. The goal was the first of the season for the fullback, but he suffered an ankle injury in the 61st minute that could keep him out of Saturday's match at Hertha Berlin.

NOVEMBER 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Sargis Adamyan - Assists in rare start Adamyan had an assist with his lone chance created while creating five shots (four on goal) and crossing twice (one accurate) during Wednesday's 2-1 loss to Leverkusen.

Impact Adamyan set up Benno Schmitz in the 30th minute assisting the opening goal of the match. It was the first assist of the season in just his second start as 11 of Adamyan's 13 appearances have come from the bench.

NOVEMBER 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Jonas Hector - Starting Wednesday Hector (foot) will be in the starting XI against Bayer Leverkusen on Wednesday.

Impact Hector returns following a two-game stint on the sidelines due to his foot problem. Prior to his absence, the left-back had featured in all 12 Bundesliga matches for the club in which he racked up 40 crosses (seven accurate), seven corners and one assist.

NOVEMBER 9, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

Jonas Hector - Expected to return Hector (foot) is expected to return for Wednesday's clash with Leverkusen, manager Steffen Baumgart told reporters.

Impact Hector is expected to return Wednesday, though it's unclear if he will be in the starting XI, or on the bench. If Hector isn't fit enough to start it would be Kristian Pedersen who makes the return to the starting XI. Hector has missed two matches with the foot issue.

NOVEMBER 8, 2022 • ROTOWIRE

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