1. FC Köln II can look forward to professional support in the coming games. Mark Uth and Florian Dietz are set to gain match practice in the Regionalliga.

Just two years ago, Mark Uth was one of the central figures at 1. FC Köln and, after his permanent transfer from FC Schalke 04, helped the Geißböcken qualify for the Conference League with five goals and eight assists in 30 Bundesliga games.

However, he was only able to play 19 minutes there, after which his season ended prematurely due to pubitis.

The comeback followed after a ten-month break with a 33-minute appearance in the narrow 3-1 extra-time win over VfL Osnabrück, where Uth showed his mettle straight away and set up Sargis Adamyan’s interim 2:1. However, the 32-year-old was forced to miss the game again, this time due to a hardened muscle.

Now the Cologne team wants to take things more slowly. Uth is expected to make his first appearance for Cologne’s U21s next Saturday (6 p.m.) against FC Wegberg-Beeck before making his Bundesliga return after more than a year.

Dietz also to play for the U21s after tearing his cruciate ligament

The offensive player will not be the only professional to find his way back to full match fitness in the U21s. Florian Dietz, who just like Uth last took to the pitch in the Bundesliga against TSG 1899 Hoffenheim on October 30, 2022, is also expected to start for the U21s after tearing his cruciate ligament. “We want to bring Mark and Flo into normal play via the U21. Between game and training there is now times still difference”, is quoted professional coach Steffen Baumgart of the portal “geissblog”.

The plan is therefore clear, at least for Uth. The game against Wegberg-Beeck and also the duel with SC Paderborn II (October 16, 3:30 p.m.) in the international break are to be used to be fit for the pros again in time for the derby. On October 22 (3:30 p.m.), Borussia Mönchengladbach is the guest in Cologne.

“I had hoped for it earlier, of course, but I’m really looking forward to it. I think it will be something very special because it’s a derby,” Uth recently looked ahead on the club’s website. “To celebrate with the boys in the dressing room after a derby home win would be my dream.”

Before that, however, he is expected to help Cologne’s second team continue to establish itself in the top half of the table and – this is probably the most important thing – get through the two games in the U21s without any physical problems if possible.