Lukas Kwasniok, head coach of 1. FC Köln, has announced changes to the starting lineup ahead of the match against Borussia Dortmund. This decision comes after a recent game against FC Augsburg, where the team faced several absences. Fortunately, Kwasniok has welcomed back two players previously sidelined due to injury.
Team Updates
In a press conference, Kwasniok confirmed that both Alessio Castro-Montes and Linton Maina are fit to return. Maina had been recovering from a rib injury and an infection, but he will likely start on the bench. Castro-Montes, however, has been guaranteed a spot in the starting eleven.
Injuries and Lineup Adjustments
The team will still miss long-term injured players including Luca Kilian, Timo Hübers, Denis Huseinbasic, Jan Thielmann, Sebastian Sebulonsen, and Joel Schmied. To compensate for these absences, Kwasniok has made strategic adjustments to the lineup:
- Goalkeeper: Marvin Schwäbe remains the number one choice.
- Defensive Line: Cenk Özkacar (left), Jahmai Simpson-Pusey (center), and Rav van den Berg (right).
- Wing Positions: Kristoffer Lund (left) and Alessio Castro-Montes (right).
- Central Midfield: Tom Krauß and Eric Martel are expected to retain their positions.
- Forward Line: Said El Mala will play on the left wing, with Ragnar Ache in the striker role and Jakub Kaminski taking an offensive position.
Kwasniok expressed confidence in El Mala’s performance, stating that the young player had shown determination in practice and is likely to start against Dortmund.
Conclusion
With these changes, Kwasniok aims to bolster the team’s performance against Borussia Dortmund. Fans will be eager to see how these adjustments play out on the field.
