Bochum goalkeeper Manuel Riemann has been plagued by problems in his thigh muscles since the away match against Bayer Leverkusen (0:1) last Saturday. The VfL keeper was also only able to train individually on Wednesday. Nevertheless, it looks like he will be in action at the weekend.
Because: Riemann is expected to return to team training on Thursday. If there are no serious problems with the increased strain in the next few days, there should be nothing to stop him playing in the home match against SC Freiburg on Saturday. However, if it should not work out with the number 1, a Bundesliga-experienced alternative would be available.
Experienced back-up on the bench
Replacement Michael Esser looks back on the experience of 63 Bundesliga appearances. The 34-year-old made his first appearance of the season in the almost legendary DFB Cup match against FC Augsburg (5:4 on penalties) when Riemann was substituted for the penalty shoot-out shortly before the end of extra time and, although he did not save a shot, he did put the decisive ball into the Augsburg box.
Freigner Michael Esser has 63 Bundesliga appearances to his name.
For the Freiburg game, meanwhile, the decision has been made: The 2G rule will be implemented. In addition, up to 20,000 spectators will be allowed to attend the home game of the promoted team, as was the case against TSG Hoffenheim (2:0).
