The success in the capital duel with Hertha BSC took a back seat at 1. FC Union already on Sunday. One day after the 2-0 win in the derby, coach Urs Fischer and his team began preparations for the crucial Europa Conference League group match against Maccabi Haifa. It is possible that defender Paul Jaeckel will return to the squad in time for the match in Israel.
Jaeckel missed the home match against Hertha (2-0) because the centre-back was out of action with an infection, according to the club. The 23-year-old could be available again for the game in Haifa, however. “Paul is making progress, he’s feeling better, “ said Fischer on Sunday afternoon, explaining: “He will join the team on Tuesday, I hope. He could be in the squad, but I don’t know yet. He is on his way back.”
In contrast, Kevin Behrens continues to miss out. The attacker “who is ill with Corona, is doing better, the symptoms are decreasing. He was able to do a bit of exercise on the exercise bike at home today,” reported Fischer.
Personnel worries before Israel trip
In addition to Behrens, the Eisern’s Swiss coach will also have to do without the suspended Christopher Trimmel and Cedric Teuchert for the match in Haifa, which group leaders Union must win to keep their chance of progressing on their own. The duo were shown the yellow and red cards respectively in the 2-1 loss to Feyenoord Rotterdam
In addition, another absence could be imminent, as Israel only allows foreign citizens to enter the country who have been vaccinated or have recovered. Exceptions are theoretically possible. However, Union assumed on Sunday that unvaccinated players, of whom there are said to be two in the squad, would not be allowed to enter the country.