In Wednesday’s test match against Viktoria Köln, Bochum coach Thomas Reis will have to do without Gerrit Holtmann and Danny Blum. All-rounder Herbert Bockhorn, on the other hand, is back in the squad for the first time.
Sprinter Holtmann, who underwent surgery on both groins on Monday, will not only be absent from the friendly match, but also from the next Bundesliga matchday in Leverkusen (Saturday, 20 November). The same applies to Danny Blum, who suffered a structural muscle injury against Hoffenheim and had to leave the pitch early. Both are not expected to return to the Bochum team until the next home match against SC Freiburg on 27 November.
Test match comes too soon for Tesche
For veteran Robert Tesche, too, the test match on Wednesday still comes too soon. The midfielder is making progress on the pitch but, according to Reis, he is not yet ready to play.
Maxim Leitsch, out of action since the first match day due to muscular problems, also has to be patient. His deployment due to continued muscle complaints is almost becoming a never-ending story. The defender is partly training with the team again, “but the risk of him playing is still too great”, says Reis.
Herbert Bockhorn, on the other hand, who had to miss the last game due to a torn fibre in his adductor area, is back in the team. The all-rounder, who can play virtually all wing positions, should at least be involved for more than one half of the match.
Esser’s use will be decided at short notice
The goalkeeper was actually Bochum returnee Michael Esser. However, the substitute for Manuel Riemann is suffering from a slight shoulder problem and will only be available at short notice.
