With Daniel Ginczek and Ahmet Engin, MSV Duisburg has already unveiled two new winter signings. Coach Boris Schommers would like to see one more transfer.

When MSV Duisburg are back in the relegation battle in the 3rd division next week, head coach Boris Schommers will be spoiled for choice in several positions for the first competitive starting eleven of the new year. Especially in the attacking area, where the 44-year-old has two more options since the beginning of the week with the new signings Daniel Ginczek and Ahmet Engin.

Nevertheless, a handful of players have yet to return. On the sidelines of the dress rehearsal against Borussia Mönchengladbach II (3-0) on Saturday, the MSV coach commented on the injured and sick list as well as the current state of health of the missing players.

Boris Schommers on …

… Sebastian Mai (had a flu-like infection): “I assume that he will be able to start training on Tuesday. He was out for over two weeks with a brutal flu bug. He’s been running since the beginning of the week, has now been on the ball several times and trained with the team again for the first time on Friday. But after 23 days of illness, that’s not enough to play a competitive match – that’s why he was missing from the test.”

… Marvin Knoll (torn muscle fiber): “He has a very positive and professional attitude, has now been in individual training for three days. We’re positively surprised. We’ll see how quickly we can get him back in and whether he’s already an option for Munich. That’s only the case if he’s had several sessions with the team and is one hundred percent fit, otherwise we won’t take the risk with him.”

… Chinedu Ekene (knee problems), Pascal Köpke (knee surgery) and Dennis Smarsch (patella tendon problems): “Unfortunately, I don’t expect Chinedu Ekene, who recently underwent a short operation on his knee, and Pascal Köpke to play in the next few weeks. With Dennis Smarsch, I’m hoping that he’ll be back sooner.”

Another new signing? Schommers has “several ideas”

The Zebras have been active on the player market twice so far in the current winter transfer window. New signings Ginczek (Fortuna Düsseldorf) and Engin (Volos NPS/Greece) are expected to revitalize MSV’s attacking play with their quality. If the Duisburg fans have their way, another reinforcement for the defensive midfield or the defense should be landed.

What does the coach want? “Christmas is over (laughs). We once talked about three to four new signings, but now we’ve made two transfers. With these two, we have already been able to sign two good players,” said Schommers.

Despite the signings of Ginczek and Engin, Schommers, who was born in Leverkusen, would also like to welcome another new face to the MSV squad: “Nevertheless, I’ll talk to the sporting management internally to see if we might still have a gift in there. As far as the position is concerned, I have several ideas. “