This is a bitter blow for Karlsruher SC: A key player will be out for Saturday’s big match against Schalke 04.
83 minutes into Karlsruher SC’s DFB Cup match against Borussia Mönchengladbach, attacking midfielder Lilian Egloff had to receive treatment. One of KSC’s key players was unable to continue.
Coach Christian Eichner had a bad feeling right after the 1-3 loss to Borussia. “ It would be truly devastating if we were to be without him for an extended period.” And Egloff will indeed be out for an extended period.
The attacking midfielder has suffered a torn muscle fiber in the back of his left thigh and will therefore be sidelined for several weeks. This naturally means Egloff will also miss the big match against FC Schalke 04 this coming Saturday, November 1, at 1 p.m.
The 23-year-old has started all ten second-division matches and scored four goals. With his absence, Eichner loses an important anchor in the offensive play.
In the DFB Cup match against Borussia, Egloff wasn’t able to make much of an impact. Gladbach got off to a perfect start: Just moments after kickoff, Shuto Machino scored to make it 1-0 (3rd minute). And after the break, the hosts scored another quick goal, this time through Nico Elvedi (51st minute). Fabian Schleusener (59th minute) managed to pull one back, but Haris Tabakovic sealed the deal in the 89th minute with the final goal.
Although Karlsruhe took about half an hour to find their footing against a high-pressing Borussia side following the early goal, the visitors then had their chances: Both Marvin Wanitzek (29th minute) and Egloff (41st minute) missed opportunities to equalize.
The match became more evenly matched, especially in the second half; the Baden side pushed for the equalizer, but the hosts had the best chances. KSC goalkeeper Hans Christian Bernart, who made several brilliant saves, prevented the second-division side from suffering a heavier defeat. In the end, however, they were eliminated from the cup in the second round. Last season, KSC had reached the round of 16. with dpa