For the second time in a row, Hoffenheim’s top scorer was not in the starting eleven. For good reason.
Under normal circumstances, Andrej Kramaric is set in TSG’s starting line-up. And even before the game against Leipzig (2:0) a fortnight ago, those responsible had left it open as to whether it could still be enough after the head injury he suffered in the international match with the Croats beforehand. At that time, a precautionary measure was taken.
In the previous week’s 6:3 win in Fürth, Kramaric came off the bench, which was understandable after the long break from training and only a few sessions. In addition, Munas Dabbur had also underpinned his claim to the starting eleven with a classy performance.
Training blessure as reason for bench place
However, Kramaric had to sit on the bench again on Saturday against Frankfurt. Actually surprising after a complete training week. Only in the final phase after 72 minutes did coach Sebastian Hoeneß send his star into the fray. For a good reason, as it later turned out, because the 30-year-old had suffered another injury in training. “He’s not at 100 per cent yet,” Hoeneß explained afterwards, “he took a pretty bad knock on his metatarsus, it was unclear until just before the game whether he would be able to go on the bench at all. “
Hoeneß: “You also have to remember, he was unconscious for twelve seconds three weeks ago “
In the end it was enough. However, he did not score his 100th goal in a competitive match for Hoffenheim. “You also have to remember that he was unconscious for twelve seconds three weeks ago, so he still has to deal with that,” Hoeneß explained the Croatian’s still limited ability to act. “He’s handling it superbly and assesses himself correctly,” praised the 39-year-old, to the 3:2 victory and the third successive three-goal win for the first time under Hoeneß. “He also helped, not with goals as usual, but with the way he fought against the ball.” So his return to the starting line-up is just as much a matter of time as his 100th goal.
By the way, there was a reason for the early substitution (54th) of Dennis Geiger, who had equalised with a dream goal to make it 1-1. The midfielder was struggling with muscular problems and was taken off as a precaution. Just in time, according to reports, the 23-year-old did not suffer any structural injury.
