Imad Rondic will miss 1. FC Köln's Bundesliga away match at Eintracht Frankfurt on Friday evening. The 27-year-old Bosnia and Herzegovina international sustained a thigh injury and was unable to complete the final training session on Thursday afternoon.
Eintracht, sitting 14th in the table with five points from five games, now face a weakened opponent. Köln coach René Wagner must do without the striker, who was only recalled to the squad in early September after completing a separate pre-season. Rondic last came on late in the 4-1 defeat at Stuttgart. Wagner had praised the forward's commitment, stating that players who give their all for the team will get to play. He emphasized that this is very important and that they had wanted to reward Rondic.
For Frankfurt, who suffered a heavy 6-0 loss in Leipzig last time out, this presents an opportunity for a key home win against the tenth-placed side. The Eagles' recent form of two wins, one draw and two defeats in their last five matches has been inconsistent. Looking ahead to the upcoming fixtures, a victory over Köln is important for the season's trajectory.
In addition to Rondic, Köln are without Thijs Dallinga and Ellyes Skhiri. However, 18-year-old defensive talent Assad Kotya-Fofana has been included in the squad. For Eintracht Frankfurt, top scorer Younes Ebnoutalib, with four goals this season, remains a key attacking threat.
This story first appeared at Bild Sport
