Two Gladbach professionals, Tim Kleindienst (30) and Robin Hack (27), celebrated their return to the Bundesliga after long-term injuries in the 3-0 win at Heidenheim at the weekend.
For the other two professional players, it may be a long time before they can experience the Bundesliga again…
The TV legend committed: “When Messi scores a header, you know…”
Nathan Ngoumou (26) is still far from 100 per cent fitness after tearing his Achilles tendon in April. Coach Eugen Polanski (39): “With Nathan, we have to keep seeing day by day how he reacts to stress. The stress has increased in the last few weeks. However, after an injury like this, first you have to clear your mind.”
Therefore, a comeback this year is unrealistic for Ngoumou!
Polanski confirmed: “The U23s, where he could probably play a few minutes, have their last game on December 5, so that won’t work. We hope we can fully integrate Nathan back into team training in early January – if everything works out.”
Jonas Omlin (31), who lost his regular place to Moritz Nicolas (28), is likely to be out for longer with an adductor injury. The problem: A definitive diagnosis cannot yet be made because the blood has flowed into the muscle – so no definitive images can be taken deep into the muscle.
Omlin has now been rushed to a specialist doctor in Switzerland to get a second opinion. It is still unclear how long the goalkeeper will have to rest.
At least for Philipp Sander (27) this can happen quickly after tearing muscle fibers Bundesligareturn. The midfielder has to do it Gladbacher Derby win against Cologne (3:1) left behind early due to muscle problems.
Polanski: “With Philipp there is hope that something might happen again before Christmas. For sure.”
