The personnel situation in the defensive centre of FC Augsburg is easing. Captain Jeffrey Gouweleeuw is back in training after a COVID-19 infection, Felix Uduokhai is nearing a comeback after a tendon injury. It remains to be seen whether both will move straight into the starting eleven against Cologne.
The established defensive forces of FCA are back on the pitch, at least in training. Gouweleeuw has tested himself free after a Corona infection at the beginning of the week. The Dutchman is expected to start again on Friday, provided the infection and the time in domestic isolation did not leave too many physical deficits.
The question of how quickly Uduokhai will be ready to start after a good three-month break is exciting. The defender announced at the weekend that he wants to “step on the gas” in training in order to be back quickly. Now we have to assess how sensible or risky it is to call up the 24-year-old directly into the starting eleven after his lengthy injury.
Meanwhile, the injuries suffered by Andi Zeqiri (hip/groin) and Raphael Framberger (ankle) in the match against Bochum did not turn out to be serious. However, there is a question mark over whether either of them will play on Friday. It also remains to be seen whether Arne Maier, who had to come off at the break against Bochum because he felt bad and played poorly, will be back in full possession of his strength by the game in Cologne.
