1. FC Köln will have to do without Timo Hübers for a long time. Fears of a serious knee injury to the Cologne defender have been confirmed.
The thorough examination on Sunday morning confirmed all of Saturday’s fears. Timo Hübers suffered a serious knee injury in the incident, and the 1. FC Köln defender will undergo surgery on Monday at the Mediapark Clinic performed by Dr. Peter Schäferhoff. No information can be provided at this time regarding the exact nature of the injury or the player’s future. Sports director Thomas Kessler said: “Even in the situation itself, it was clear that it didn’t bode well for Timo. The diagnosis hits us all hard, especially him. He has already fought his way back onto the pitch twice after serious injuries at a young age – and we are sure that he will do the same this time.”
Hübers, last year’s captain of the Geißböcke, is indeed considered a professional with “great inner strength and a remarkable mentality,” according to Kessler, who announced in a statement from the club on Sunday: “We as the FC family stand closely by his side, support him every step of the way, and wish him much strength and a speedy recovery.”
Third center back out of action
In sporting terms, the loss of the defensive leader means a significant weakening of the squad. With Hübers, this is now the third center back to be sidelined for the long term: First, Luca Kilian suffered his third cruciate ligament rupture in 18 months in September. Then new signing Rav van den Berg suffered a serious shoulder injury, and now Hübers is out for at least several months.
Eric Martel is expected to play in the center of the back three against FC Bayern on Wednesday. After all, the defensive midfielder is getting better and better at this role, earning a kicker rating of 2 in Dortmund. Martel is considered an instinctive defensive player who impresses with his excellent positioning and keen sense of the situation.
