Marcel Hoffmeier
PAD
Center Back
Driving Center Back
Jul 15, 1999 (27)
Right
6'0"
172 lb
Remains sidelined against Hamburger
Hoffmeier (thigh) remains unavailable for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Hamburger SV as he continues recovering from a muscle fiber tear in his left thigh, according to coach Ralf Kettemann.
Analysis: Hoffmeier remains sidelined after suffering a muscle fiber tear in his left thigh while playing for Paderborn's U21 side in late September. The defender missed the previous Bundesliga clash against Werder Bremen and has been working toward regaining fitness through individual rehabilitation exercises. Kettemann had previously estimated that Hoffmeier would need another two to three weeks before resuming team training, suggesting he is still some way from returning to competitive action. No definitive comeback date has been established, leaving Paderborn without an additional defensive option against Hamburg.
Not available Saturday
Hoffmeier (thigh) is not in the squad for Saturday's match against Werder Bremen.
Analysis: Hoffmeier is not ready to return from the muscle fiber tear in his left thigh sustained while playing for Paderborn's U21 side in late September. Despite being omitted from the latest injury list, the defender still needs more time to recover and rebuild his fitness. He had recently resumed individual running, with coach Ralf Kettemann previously estimating another two to three weeks before a return to team training.
Could return against Bremen
Hoffmeier (thigh) could be available for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Werder Bremen after being omitted from Paderborn's latest injury list, according to coach Ralf Kettemann.
Analysis: Hoffmeier could be nearing a return after suffering a muscle fiber tear in his left thigh while playing with the U21 side in late September. The defender recently resumed individual running, although manager Ralf Kettemann had previously estimated that he would need another two to three weeks before rejoining team training. His absence from the latest injury list suggests he could be in contention for Saturday's fixture, but his return to full training has yet to be confirmed. Even if included in the squad, Hoffmeier could initially be limited to a substitute role as he continues rebuilding his match fitness.
Steps up recovery
Hoffmeier resumed individual running Wednesday as he continues recovering from a muscle fiber tear in his left thigh sustained with the U21 in late September, with SC Paderborn 07 coach Ralf Kettemann expecting him to return to team training in two to three weeks, per Neue Westfalische.
Analysis: Hoffmeier picked up a muscle fiber tear in his left thigh with the U21 in late September and has now moved into individual running as his recovery continues ahead of schedule. The defender was already completing running drills around the training pitch Wednesday, with coach Ralf Kettemann expecting him to return to team training in two to three weeks. A return to the squad could therefore come later in October if his recovery continues on its current path, though he will first need to progress from individual work back into full team training.
Out several weeks
Hoffmeier will be sidelined for several weeks after an MRI confirmed a muscular injury, according to the club.
Analysis: Hoffmeier faces another setback after recently beginning to build up his workload with Paderborn's U21 side following his recovery from an ACL tear. The center-back suffered the new injury during Monday's U21 match against Borussia Dortmund II and was forced off after 42 minutes. Hoffmeier will travel with the first team to the United States to begin his rehabilitation, though the club has not provided a more precise timetable for his return.
On bench in return
Hoffmeier (calf) is on the bench for Saturday's friendly against Werder Bremen.
Analysis: Hoffmeier had recently rejoined full team training after previously being sidelined by calf problems, and his inclusion on the matchday squad confirms he has fully recovered from that scare. Given his recent history coming back from an ACL tear, his continued careful reintegration suggests Paderborn is taking a measured approach as he builds toward full match fitness ahead of the new 2026/27 Bundesliga season.
Rejoins team training
Hoffmeier has rejoined team training at Paderborn, completing Thursday's session with his teammates after previously being sidelined by calf problems, according to Neue Westfalische.
Analysis: Hoffmeier's return within days of the initial issue confirms coach Ralf Kettemann's early read that the calf tightness was precautionary rather than a genuine muscle injury. Given his recent history recovering from an ACL tear, having not missed a single session before this scare, his quick turnaround suggests Paderborn treated this as routine caution as he continues building toward full intensity ahead of the new 2026/27 Bundesliga season.
Should train Thursday
Hoffmeieris (calf) set to return to training Thursday after being substituted early in the friendly against Osnabruck, the club confirmed Wednesday.
Analysis: Hoffmeier was forced off during Saturday's friendly against VfL Osnabruck with a calf issue, but coach Ralf Kettemann's immediate assessment suggested it was precautionary rather than serious. The club has now confirmed he can return to training on Thursday, putting the initial concern to rest and validating Kettemann's read that this was muscle tightness rather than a genuine muscle injury. Given Hoffmeier's recent history recovering from an ACL tear, having not missed a single training session until this calf tightness, the cautious approach makes sense, and the fact he is back within days of the friendly suggests Paderborn treated this as routine precaution for a player returning to full intensity.
Injury not serious
Hoffmeier (calf) does not appear to have suffered a serious injury despite being forced off in Saturday's friendly against VfL Osnabruck, according to coach Ralf Kettemann, per Neue Westfalische. "We hope it's not too bad with Hoffi, it's normal for a muscle to tighten up sometimes, but it didn't make a loud pop. I hope he can train again Thursday, but we won't take any risks."
Analysis: Hoffmeier is being brought back carefully given his history with a torn ACL, having not missed a single session since that recovery until this latest calf tightness. Kettemann noted that a cramping calf is almost normal at this stage, and the club plans to ease him back into full training over the coming days as a precaution.
Forced off with undisclosed injury
Hoffmeier was forced off in the 13th minute of Saturday's friendly against VfL Osnabruck with an undisclosed injury, the club announced.
Analysis: Hoffmeier's substitution came without any clear indication of what caused it, with Tjark Scheller coming on in his place. The defender is an undisputed starter in Paderborn's back three, making any potential absence a notable concern to monitor. Further clarity on his status is expected to come from the club in the coming days as preseason continues.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare