VfL Bochum has responded to the loss of Erhan Masovic at their training camp. Coach Hecking talks about his replacement and Wednesday’s double header of friendly matches.

Following the withdrawal of Erhan Masovic, VfL Bochum will not be making any further signings in the transfer market. However, the club is responding to the months-long absence of the center back, who suffered a collapsed lung.

Coach Dieter Hecking has called up Daniel Hülsenbusch from the U21 team to join the first team. The 20-year-old defender arrived at the training camp in Austria on Monday and trained with the team. “He has really taken a step forward and is constantly being singled out by Heiko (Butscher, U21 coach, editor’s note) for his performances,” Hecking explained. “That’s why he deserves the chance to show what he can do here.”

The experienced coach also referred to the three test matches scheduled during the training camp in Scheffau am Wilden Kaiser. “This will allow us to play with a back three.”

Before things get serious in the league at the beginning of August, the VfL coach still has some friendly matches to try things out. There are two games on Wednesday: against third-division side Waldhof Mannheim (1 p.m.) and later against Swiss top club Young Boys Bern (6 p.m.). The training camp will conclude with a match against Metalist Kharkiv from Ukraine (Saturday, 3 p.m.).

On Monday, Hecking had not yet decided how he would divide the squad for Wednesday’s double test. “We still have a few training sessions to go before then.”

The plan is for Philipp Hofmann to make his first appearance after a long injury break. Meanwhile, Ibrahima Sissoko is doubtful. He missed Monday’s session due to bruising but may return to training on Tuesday. According to Hecking, it remains to be seen whether Sissoko will be able to play on Wednesday. (with gp)