Lars Ritzka - Soccer News, Rumors, & Updates

Finds starting role Ritzka (back) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Leipzig.

Impact Ritzka defied expectations after only being able to train individually during the week, with the back issue that had troubled him during the first half of the last match proving less serious than anticipated as he earned a surprise starting role. The defender had appeared unlikely to feature given the nature of the injury and the limited training available to him ahead of the weekend, making his inclusion a significant turnaround from the doubtful assessment provided earlier in the week. His return is a timely boost for St. Pauli with just two matches remaining in the season.

MAY 9 • ROTOWIRE

Trains, doubtful Saturday Ritzka (back) trained individually Wednesday but remains doubtful for Saturday's match against Leipzig, according to Maximilian Bronner and Kai Schiller of Hamburger Abendblatt.

Impact Ritzka is going to need some testing for Saturday's match, but he appears to be unlikely either way, with the defender only able to train individually this week. This comes after he struggled with back issues in the first half of their last match, not an easy injury to shake, especially in such a short span. That said, this could end his season a few games early as he will be in a race against time to return if he misses our Saturday, only having two games remaining in the season.

MAY 7 • ROTOWIRE

Back issue forces halftime sub Ritzka was replaced at halftime of Sunday's 2-1 defeat against Mainz after experiencing back discomfort during the first half, according to coach Alexander Blessin. "With hindsight...

Impact Ritzka had been feeling the back issue from around the 20th minute but played through the discomfort until the break before the staff made the call to withdraw him. The club will assess the severity of the problem over the coming days before making a call on his availability for upcoming fixtures, with Adam Dzwigala expected to take on a larger role at left-back in his absence if Ritzka needs any time on the sidelines.

MAY 4 • ROTOWIRE

Option again Ritzka (shoulder) is an option for Sunday's match against Union Berlin, according to manager Alexander Blessin. "Lars had no major intervention and is available again."

Impact Ritzka received shoulder surgery only a few weeks ago, but it appears to have been only a minor operation, as the defender is already deemed fit again. This is major news for the club, as he will miss no time due to the injury, potentially returning to the starting role he held in the past two games. However, he is typically more of a rotational option, going unused often while only starting in eight of his 16 appearances.

APRIL 3 • ROTOWIRE

Undergoes shoulder surgery Ritzka (shoulder) has undergone a planned surgical procedure on his right shoulder and is ruled out for the time being, according to the club.

Impact Ritzka had been dealing with shoulder pain for several weeks following a fall before undergoing the operation at the start of the international break. The 27-year-old has mainly been a bench option for St. Pauli this season, so his absence is unlikely to disrupt the starting XI moving foward. Arkadiusz Pyrka will likely find back his role on the left flank.

MARCH 25 • ROTOWIRE

Comes off bench Ritzka (undisclosed) appeared off the bench in Tuesday's 2-1 loss to Gladbach.

Impact Rotzka made his way back to the field for a short appearance Tuesday, as the defender would come off the bench to end the Cup match. He started in their last outing, so this is good news for the club, although he did go unused in the four games before his start. He has started in four of his 12 appearances this campaign, likely to return to more of a rotational role.

DECEMBER 4, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Off early with injury Ritzka was forced off in the second half of Saturday's match against Bayern due to an injury.

Impact Ritzka left the match in the 68th minute being replaced by Louis Oppie. The defender's status for next week's trip to Koln is in question.

NOVEMBER 29, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Depth across backline Ritzka made 21 appearances (11 starts) in the Bundesliga, playing a variety of roles.

Impact Ritzka was one of the main defensive depth options for St. Pauli, playing in a variety of roles. The defender start at left wing-back, center-back, and in midfield. He was at his best off the wing, but his ability to play so many roles should help him maintain his role as St. Pauli fight for survival once more.

JUNE 2, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Scores in loss to Bayern Ritzka scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-2 loss to Bayern Munich.

Impact Ritzka is not known for being a goalscorer, but he came through with an impressive goal in the latter stages of the second half with a long-range shot that went past Jonas Urbig. This was Ritzka's first-ever goal in the Bundesliga.

APRIL 1, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Cleared to start Ritzka (hamstring) is in the starting XI for Saturday's match against Dortmund.

Impact Ritzka is good to go after exiting early last week against Mainz. The defender makes consecutive starts for the first time since September.

MARCH 1, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Late call for Dortmund Ritzka was forced off in the second half of Saturday's match and will likely be a late call for Saturday's clash with Dortmund, coach Alexander Blessin said in a press conference....

Impact Ritzka returned to training this week after exiting Saturday's match with a hamstring injury. He will be a late decision for Saturday's clash against the black and yellow. If he is unavailable, Adam Dzwigala could see increased involvement for that game.

FEBRUARY 28, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Injured Saturday Ritzka was forced off in the second half of Saturday's match against Mainz due to a hamstring injury.

Impact Ritzka left the match in the 62nd minute grabbing the back of his leg before being replaced by Adam Dzwigala. The extent of Ritzka's injury should be determined ahead of next week's match against Dortmund.

FEBRUARY 22, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Starting Sunday Ritzka (strain) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Union Berlin.

Impact Ritzka returns for the first time in 2025 after missing three matches with an injury. The defender makes just his second start since November in the match.

JANUARY 26, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Will not feature Wednesday Ritzka (strain) was unavailable for Saturday's 1-0 loss to Frankfurt due to a strain injury and will also miss Wednesday's match against Bochum, according to the club.

Impact Ritzka remains sidelined due to strain issues and will miss his second consecutive Bundesliga match against Bochum on Wednesday. He has not been a regular starter in defense this season, with David Nemeth, Hauke Wahl, and Eric Smith likely forming the back three against Bochum. Ritzka's next potential appearance may come against Heidenheim on Saturday.

JANUARY 15, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Left with muscle issue Ritzka was forced off in the second half of Saturday's match against Stuttgart with a muscle issue.

Impact Ritzka left the match in the 70th minute after succumbing to injury and being replaced by Adam Dzwigala. Ritzka has time to recover with the Bundesliga not starting back up until January 11th.

DECEMBER 22, 2024 • ROTOWIRE

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