Luca Waldschmidt
KOE
RW (CF)
Half-Space Orchestrator
May 19, 1996 (30)
Left
5'11"
163 lb
FC KölnRemains out against Stuttgart
Waldschmidt (muscular) will remain unavailable for Friday's Bundesliga clash against Stuttgart despite returning to team training, according to Geissblog.
Analysis: Waldschmidt has now resumed work with the group after muscular problems kept him out of Koln's opening two competitive matches of the season. However, the 30-year-old still needs time to rebuild his fitness following the layoff, and Koln won't take any risks by bringing him back too quickly. His return to full training is nevertheless an encouraging step, and he could be back in contention for the matchday squad in the near future.
Out against Hoffenheim
Waldschmidt (muscle) will miss the Bundesliga opener against Hoffenheim as he continues his rehabilitation, according to coach Rene Wagner. "Waldschmidt is taking things a little easier with his return. He's still undergoing rehabilitation so that he can then go full throttle again."
Analysis: Waldschmidt will sit out the opener as Koln give him additional time to fully recover from his muscular issue. The problem is not considered serious, with the forward expected to step up his workload next week and work toward returning at full fitness. His absence against Hoffenheim should therefore be a short-term one if his rehabilitation continues as planned.
Cleared of injury concern
Waldschmidt is available for Cologne's German Cup opener against Wurzburger Kickers on August 24 after avoiding any injury from his early exit against Paderborn, the club announced.
Analysis: Waldschmidt left Sunday's friendly after roughly an hour with a slight limp, but the club confirmed all players involved in the preseason matches, including the 30-year-old, came through without injury. There is no cause for concern surrounding his fitness heading into the cup opener. Waldschmidt is expected to be available for selection as Cologne begin their competitive season.
Limps off with thigh issue
Waldschmidt limped off after picking up right thigh problems in Sunday's friendly against Paderborn, according to Geissblog Koeln.
Analysis: Waldschmidt walked to the bench before heading straight to the locker room with a physiotherapist, raising concern just days before Cologne's competitive season begins. The club opens its DFB Pokal campaign at Wurzburger Kickers on Aug. 24. Waldschmidt is expected to be reassessed as his status for that match becomes clearer.
Provides assist in draw
Waldschmidt assisted once to go with five crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Union Berlin.
Analysis: Waldschmidt stood out in playmaking duties, completing the last pass before Marius Bulter's 33rd-minute goal while taking half of his side's set pieces during the round 32 matchup. Even though he was unable to score this time, the forward continued his productive run as he registered a goal or assist for the third time in a row. After a series of five substitute appearances, he got the nod over both Linton Maina and Jan Thielmann on the right wing.
Scores one goal off bench
Waldschmidt scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal) in Saturday's 2-1 loss against Bayer Leverkusen.
Analysis: Waldschmidt came off the bench in the second half of Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Leverkusen and immediately made his mark, slotting home a composed left-footed finish past Janis Blaswich after Said El Mala's determined dribble and precise pull-back created the opening in the box. Waldschmidt has now scored in back-to-back Bundesliga appearances as a substitute, with his five goals this season placing him quatrieme in his side's scoring charts despite rarely starting.
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