Fortuna Düsseldorf are struggling with considerable personnel problems ahead of their home match against Hansa Rostock. Only 14 professionals are currently available.
Fans of Fortuna Düsseldorf can still remember 12 March this year well. Due to a Corona outbreak at the state capital, Fortuna not only had to do without coach Daniel Thioune, but also a total of 14 players. In Paderborn, the Düsseldorf team then started with a makeshift eleven. Right-back Takashi Uchino was able to recommend himself for a professional contract, and Tim Köther came to the attention of 1. FC Heidenheim (also as a result) and signed him for the current season. Phil Sieben (now with Roda Kerkrade) and Marcel Mansfeld (still with Fortuna) also made their second league debuts.
A similar scenario looms next weekend. Before the home match against FC Hansa Rostock on Saturday evening (8.30pm/Sport1 and Sky), Thioune has only 14 players from the professional squad at his disposal. Although that is still more than in March, in view of several injured players, the squad must be filled with talent for the match. “I’m keen to bring energy to the pitch with the guys I have available,” Thioune said on Thursday. In addition, he said the game would be a chance for some reservists. “I have some players from the second row who have been barking. Now they are allowed to bite. That’s what I expect from them,” Thioune said.
However, it cannot be ruled out that one or the other will be added, as Thioune says: “With Jorrit Hendrix, for example, there is still hope. We are treating him carefully after his head injury and are slowly increasing the load. It is possible that he will be in full possession of his strength on Saturday. With Dawid Kownacki, it is also not impossible that he will return. He has been suffering from cold symptoms since Tuesday, but he is getting better day by day. Rouwen Hennings could also still join.”
And it would be important: Thioune could extend his series. He is still unbeaten in the Merkur Spielarena at home. Thioune: “We know what a cool feeling it is to come off the pitch as winners here. We’re all up for it. We know that it’s a big challenge for the opponents to take points here. We want to show that on Saturday. “