Oh no: VfL Bochum will have to do without its defensive leader for an indefinite period.

The game against FSV Mainz was a forgettable one for Bundesliga club VfL Bochum for two reasons. On the one hand, they again failed to get a result for a decent performance and conceded the 2-2 in the basement duel in injury time through former Schalke player Tom Krauss.

On the other hand, they lost their defensive leader Ivan Ordets in the first half, and his substitution had already been planned. After a final challenge, he remained lying on the ground, touched his thigh and had to leave the pitch to chants from the fans.

On Monday, the diagnosis was worse than initially feared. The 31-year-old, who had played the full distance in all eight previous matches, had sustained a serious muscle injury.

He will be unavailable to VfL for an indefinite period. Not good news ahead of the important next few weeks. After the 90 minutes against Mainz, further duels against direct competitors in the relegation battle are on the agenda.

First, VfL has to go to newly promoted SV Darmstadt on Friday (November 3, 8:30 p.m.), who are missing the two central defenders Klaus Gjasula and Matej Maglica after the Bayern game due to two red cards.

After that, 1. FC Cologne will come to the Ruhr Stadium on the opening day of carnival (Saturday, November 11, 6:30 p.m.), before the next promoted team, 1. FC Heidenheim, comes to town on Sunday (November 26, 3:30 p.m.) after the next international break.

Bochum’s sporting director Marc Lettau had emphasized after the 2-2 draw against Mainz with a view to the upcoming task in Darmstadt: “We have to go into the analysis and see that we also draw out the positive. So that we can do better in Darmstadt what we didn’t do well. Then we will hopefully work out our luck and leave the pitch as winners.”

With a win, they could overtake SV Darmstadt in the table.