FC Köln is planning Martel's departure: sports boss talks about new six!

FC Köln is planning Martel's departure: sports boss talks about new six!

The rumor mill surrounding 1. FC Cologne is bubbling. Eric Martel, a promising player at the age of 23 and currently playing at the U21 European Championships, is making headlines. He still has a contract until 2026, but interest from several Bundesliga clubs, including Freiburg, makes it clear that a departure cannot be ruled out. Cologne's sports boss Thomas Kessler is optimistic and wants to keep Martel in the team, reported Picture.

On the other hand, FC is apparently preparing for a possible stay or even departure of Martel. According to information from Bild, Cologne is already in talks with two experienced six-players: Tom Krauss, who currently plays for Mainz, and Robin Fellhauer from Elversberg. Krauß, who was already on loan at VfL Bochum last season, could come to Cologne on loan. His signing would represent an additional piece of the puzzle in Cologne's team structure.

The injury problem

But it's not just the transfers that are causing excitement. Cologne is plagued by injury concerns. Eric Martel suffered a metacarpal injury in the last Bundesliga game against Stuttgart. The incident occurred in the 60th minute when he accidentally fell on his hand. He initially signaled that he wanted to continue playing, but was sent to the locker room by the medical department. The exact diagnosis, a metacarpal fracture, now forces Martel to train with a splint in the coming days while the next steps are coordinated with hand specialists and team doctors LeagueInsider reported.

But that's not the only injury on the team. Mathias Olesen and Julian Chabot are also struggling with injury problems. Olesen was injured after a challenge and had to leave the pitch early, while Chabot first suffered a head injury and then injured his ankle. Both are suspected of having ligament injuries, and coach Steffen Baumgart is leaving it open as to when they can return.

A look at the Bundesliga

The international break is now over and the focus is back on the Bundesliga. Current developments regarding injuries show that the league is affected by numerous failures. A look at the injury table shows that hamstring injuries are the most common reasons for absences, followed by knee and ankle injuries. The professionalization of training methods contributes to teams having similar injury profiles, which poses a challenge for trainers and doctors footballinjuries.com.

Overall, there is uncertainty. FC Köln must prepare for the coming season while keeping an eye on the injury situation. Whether Martel stays or goes, and whether the new additions can fill the gaps in time, remains to be seen. One thing is certain: it will be exciting to see how those responsible in Cologne fare during this turbulent time.