A Herculean task awaits Borussia Mönchengladbach right at the start of the new year. Two absences also complicate the start of the second half of the season at record champions FC Bayern on Friday.
Turbulent days around Borussia Park at the turn of the year. First, Matthias Ginter and Denis Zakaria made headlines with their announcement that they would not extend their contracts in Mönchengladbach. Moreover, the personnel situation is not exactly ideal for a new start after a very poor first half of the season.
All in all, the start at the record champions on Friday will be a Herculean task for the Borussians, who have been particularly disappointing of late. Among other things, it will be important to be extremely attentive on the wings against Bayern. Especially in the defeat against SC Freiburg (0:6), the Foals showed serious weaknesses when trying to prevent opposing crosses from the side.
Bensebaini’s absence hurts
Given the class of Bayern’s wingers, no matter who occupies that position, the loss of Ramy Bensebaini is naturally particularly painful for Borussia. The Algerian international is on duty at the Africa Cup in January, so his absence is already certain before things even really get started.
Bensebaini, of all people, is a Bayern terror: The robust defensive strategist has already left his mark against Bayern, most recently with his two goals in Borussia’s 5:0 win in the Cup. Moreover, during his time under Marco Rose, he converted a last-minute penalty against Manuel Neuer to secure a 3-2 victory.
Who will replace Bensebaini?
Bensebaini, then, is missing from Bayern and well beyond. The obvious replacement would be Joe Scally, who has been used on both wings and, as a right-footed player, is no stranger to the position on the left. The US international, however, has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not play a role in the plans for the time being.
So it’s a bit of a tinkering session for Adi Hütter, because Denis Zakaria will also be off the ball because of COVID-19 and Jordan Beyer after a muscle injury and a forced break from Corona. And on the left? Youngster Luca Netz may be in for a very demanding task on the left.