Eric Martel
M05
Center Midfielder
Creative Playmaker
Apr 29, 2002 (24)
Right
6'2"
179 lb
Scores as substitute
Martel scored a goal with his lone shot while crossing once inaccurately during Saturday's 4-3 win over Mainz.
Analysis: Martel entered the match in the 65th minute and scored 13 minutes later. The goal was the first this season for Martel as he made his first appearance following a three match absence due to a knee injury to begin the new year.
Finds bench role
Martel (knee) is on the bench for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Borussia Monchengladbach.
Analysis: Martel passed his late fitness call after coach Urs Fischer confirmed he was a candidate for the squad despite having only recently returned to full team training following his lengthy MCL injury absence. Fischer had already ruled out an immediate return to the starting XI, and a bench role represents the most logical first step in his reintegration as Mainz gradually increases his workload.
Late call for Gladbach clash
Martel (knee) is a late fitness call for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Borussia Monchengladbach, according to coach Urs Fischer. "Martel is also a candidate for the squad, but it's still too early for the starting XI,"
Analysis: Martel has continued to build his fitness after recently returning to full team training following a lengthy absence with an MCL injury. The midfielder is now close enough to a competitive return to be considered for Saturday's squad, though manager Urs Fischer has already ruled out an immediate return to the starting XI. If included, Martel would likely be limited to a substitute role as Mainz gradually increases his workload.
Nearing season debut
Martel (knee) completed full team training Friday for the first time since suffering an MCL injury but will not be available for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Eintracht Frankfurt, according to coach Urs Fischer, per Allgemeine Zeitung. "A squad nomination still comes too early for him"
Analysis: Martel has taken a significant step toward his season debut after being sidelined since suffering the knee injury in late July. The midfielder is now participating without restrictions, but his lengthy absence means Mainz will give him additional training time before bringing him back into the matchday squad. The Sept. 19 trip to Borussia Monchengladbach could provide the next opportunity for Martel to return, though his availability for that match has yet to be determined.
Still unavailable
Martel (knee) is still unavailable for selection but should resume partial team training soon, according to coach Urs Fischer. "Martel is still unavailable. Eric is next in line for a return. We'll see then when a partial reintegration is realistic for him."
Analysis: Martel has been sidelined since suffering a knee ligament injury during a preseason friendly against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai, an issue that has already delayed his competitive Mainz debut past multiple matches. No firm timeline has been established for his return, and his continued recovery will be worth monitoring as the club provides further updates regarding his imminent partial team training.
Remains sidelined
Martel (knee) remains unavailable for Saturday's Bundesliga clash against Paderborn as he continues his recovery from a right knee ligament injury, according to coach Urs Fischer. "Martel remains unavailable."
Analysis: Martel remains sidelined after suffering the knee injury during a preseason friendly against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai. The midfielder was initially expected to miss several weeks and has yet to recover sufficiently to return to contention. His continued absence delays his competitive debut for Mainz, with no firm return date established.
Knee ligament injury confirmed
Martel has sustained an inner ligament injury in his right knee from Wednesday's friendly against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai and will be unavailable for the coming weeks, according to the club.
Analysis: Martel was forced off in just the sixth minute of the match after getting his right leg caught in the turf during a lunging challenge inside the box, a rough start to his time at Mainz following his summer move from Koln. He was a regular starter for Koln last season, contributing two goals and two assists across 31 appearances, and this injury now threatens to delay his integration with his new club as he begins his recovery.
Moves to Mainz
Martel has completed a transfer to Mainz from Koln, according to his new club.
Analysis: Martel is on the move this offseason but won't go far, transferring to Mainz in a move from one German club to another. This comes after the midfielder was a regular starter for Koln during the 2025/26 campaign in their return to the Bundesliga, starting in 30 of his 31 appearances. He would also score two goals and two assists, showing some decent value at only age 24. This will add another contender to a decently young Mainz midfield, giving them a bit more depth and versatility in the middle of the pitch.
Active on both sides of ball
Martel took two off target shots, blocked two shots and made three tackles (winning two) during Saturday's 5-1 loss to Bayern.
Analysis: Martel was active on both sides of the ball leading Koln in shots, blocks and tackles during the lopsided defeat. The midfielder ends the year with four goal involvements, 46 tackles and 124 clearances while making 31 league appearances.
Back from ban
Martel is no longer suspended and is an option for the club moving forward.
Analysis: Martel is rejoining his team for the final match day, as the midfielder has served his one-match ban. He has been a starter in the midfield for the entire season and should return to that spot for the finale, scoring two goals and two assists in 30 appearances (29 starts).
Will miss Heidenheim game
Martel picked up his tenth yellow card of the season against Union Berlin and will be suspended for the upcoming Bundesliga match against Heidenheim.
Analysis: Martel is unavailable for the upcoming Bundesliga match against Heidenheim due to suspension after picking up his tenth yellow card of the season against Union Berlin. The midfielder is an undisputed starter for his side, with two goals and two assists in 30 Bundesliga appearances this season, while Jakub Kamiński is expected to start in midfield in his absence.
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