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 soccer club VfL Bochum for two reasons. On the one hand, they once again failed to reap the rewards for a decent performance and conceded a 2-2 equalizer in the injury time through former Schalke player Tom Krauss.

On the other hand, they lost their defensive leader Ivan Ordets in the first half, with a substitution already planned. After a final tackle, he remained lying on the ground, clutching his thigh, and had to leave the pitch to the chants of 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 games, had sustained a serious muscle injury.

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

First of all, VfL has to travel 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 Köln 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 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 hopefully we’ll work out luck and come away from the pitch as winners.”

A win would see the club move above SV Darmstadt in the table.