1. FC Union has never started a Bundesliga season better than ever. Two wins after two games are for the Köpenicker to book, table place one is the consequence. The only question is: at what price? Several players are out after the 4-1 win against Darmstadt. In the first half, David Fofana limped off the field, and Sheraldo Becker came on for him, who had to be replaced in the second half due to injury. Last but not least, Danilho Doekhi also sustained an injury when he scored with a header to make it 4-1.
Becker grabbed his thigh in pain in the 63rd minute without any opposition. His embarrassing shot led to the corner that made it 4-1, but he couldn’t go any further after that. After the game, the club announced somewhat vaguely that Becker had suffered a “right leg injury” and would now be out.
Urs Fischer will have to change plans against Leipzig
Doekhi, on the other hand, fractured his cheekbone when he scored and was treated surgically on Sunday. Under certain circumstances, players with such an injury can play with a face mask earlier. However, it is unclear when both players will return. Nothing was announced about Fofana’s status.
Even before the game against Darmstadt, Union were plagued by some injury worries. Rani Khedira, Lucas Tousart, Janik Haberer, Andras Schäfer and Lauren Dehl were not available before the game. With Doekhi and Becker, at least two players are now joining the Köpenicker Lazarett indefinitely. After Brenden Aaronson was sent off, Urs Fischer will also be without another player on Sunday against RB Leipzig (5.30 p.m. / Dazn).
A central defender is to come
As a result, Union’s squad, which is still well filled, is very well filled in some places – and very thin in some places. In the offensive and on the defensive flank, the Köpenicker are well staffed, not so in the central defense and in central midfield. After media reports that Dominique Heintz is about to leave, only Paul Jaeckel is available for central defence. Union managing director Oliver Ruhnert has already announced several times that he wants to get another central defender, but so far there has been no commitment. A decision has to be made before the transfer window closes on Friday.
The central midfield is similarly rare: only Alex Kral and Aissa Laidouni are currently available as regular professionals. Aljoscha Kemlein, who comes on as a substitute in both Bundesliga games and has been able to draw attention to himself with committed performances, offers reason for hope. But one thing is certain: Urs Fischer will have to change several positions before meeting Leipzig.