Augsburg face a key question before the trip to Munich. In addition, talks are pending with Tim Breithaupt.
A break in the international match program always brings a worrying amount of uncertainty for club coaches. Who plays where? Who plays for how long? Will every player come back healthy? Jess Thorup will also have asked himself these questions when ten of his professionals left for their respective national teams at the beginning of the previous week.
FCA took advantage of the Bundesliga break to win their friendly against third division side FC Ingolstadt 7-0. In addition, right back Robert Gumny made his comeback with the first team eight months after tearing his cruciate ligament, after already making two appearances for the second team in the regional league.
Jakic suffers a bruised knee, but will be examined again in Augsburg
However, worse fears have not been confirmed, Jakic only suffered a bruised knee. The 27-year-old may even be in the squad for the evening game against Portugal, but he is to be examined again after returning from Croatia. It is clear that an injury would come at the worst possible time, and not just because the next game is an away game at FC Bayern in Munich. Tim Breithaupt, Jakic’s potential replacement in defensive midfield, is out for the season with a torn hamstring.
Tim Breithaupt, Jakic’s potential replacement in defensive midfield, is out for good. The midfielder suffered a foot injury in a tackle with Frank Onyeka during training before the game against Hoffenheim (0-0), and was therefore wearing a special shoe until the weekend. He will be out for at least until the beginning of December. There is hope that the U-21 international will be able to play again, but it remains to be seen whether Thorup would also choose Breithaupt. Which has hardly been the case this season so far.
Interest from the Bundesliga: Talks not until December
Breithaupt started well, scored in the 2-2 draw against Bremen at the start of the season, was also in the starting lineup for the 4-0 defeat in Heidenheim on matchday 2, and has not played a minute since. Since Jakic returned from a Achilles tendon problem, Thorup has been relying on the Croatian to clear the defense instead of the more skilled Breithaupt. The 22-year-old, who came from Karlsruhe a year and a half ago, must therefore ask himself in the winter whether he will continue to wait for his chance behind (the then healthy again) Jakic and Onyeka, gain playing experience elsewhere, or abandon the Augsburg adventure altogether.
FCA is not insisting on the talented creator leaving, but a move away makes the most sense for Thorup in central defensive midfield. Talks on the future are not due to take place until after the last competitive game of the year.
