Sportfreunde Siegen have suffered a setback. An experienced player who only arrived in the winter has suffered a serious injury.

With just one defeat in the new year, Sportfreunde Siegen have rid themselves of their acute relegation troubles and are now heading for relegation. Markus Pazurek, who arrived from SSVg Velbert in the winter and contributed to the upturn with his experience, is partly responsible for this.

But now came the shock for the traditional club and the 35-year-old veteran: Pazurek suffered a meniscus tear and will miss coach Thorsten Nehrbauer’s team for weeks.

He twisted his knee in a duel during the final phase of the 2-0 win against SpVgg Vreden and had to be substituted prematurely. The diagnosis has now been confirmed.

“The loss of an experienced leading player is really bitter for us,” said coach Nehrbauer, regretting the loss. “He was in very good form, exuded goal threat and always led the way. Now others have to step into the breach for him. We will make up for this loss with team unity. “

Pazurek, who moved to Leimbachtal with the experience of over 150 appearances in the 3rd division, was an instant starter and made all possible appearances from the first to the last minute – until his injury. Before that, he had scored – it was the Andernacher native’s second goal.

It is unclear how long he will miss Sportfreunde. Pazurek will need an operation at the beginning of next week. He himself is combative and hopes to make a comeback before the end of the season: “It’s a real shame, I was in a really good mood and having fun. But I have good healing flesh and I’m confident that I’ll be able to play a few more games this season,” he says. “With and after the operation, I’ll do everything I can to get back on track.”

How well and quickly Siegen can cope with the serious loss will become apparent on Sunday. Then the difficult away game at league leaders ASC Dortmund awaits (3 p.m., RS live ticker).