Jordy Makengo
SCF
LB
Overlapping Full Back
Aug 3, 2001 (25)
Left
6'3"
172 lb
FreiburgFully fit, plays 60 minutes
Makengo (undisclosed) has fully recovered and played 60 minutes in Freiburg's 3-0 loss to Greuther Furth, according to the club.
Analysis: Makengo had been forced off in the final quarter of last week's friendly against Derby County with an undisclosed issue, and his workload against Furth confirms he has overcome the injury after closing out last season with 52 clearances, 33 crosses, 22 tackles, 10 blocked shots and 15 interceptions across 20 Bundesliga appearances, underscoring his defensive value to the side. His return is an encouraging sign as Freiburg continues its preseason preparations, and Makengo is expected to keep building up his match fitness as it progresses.
Forced off in friendly
Makengo (undisclosed) was forced off in the final quarter of Friday's preseason friendly against Derby County, with the nature of the issue not immediately clear.
Analysis: Makengo finished last season with 52 clearances, 33 crosses, 22 tackles, 10 blocked shots and 15 interceptions across 20 Bundesliga appearances, underscoring his defensive value to the side. His withdrawal comes alongside fellow injured teammate Florian Muller (foot) from the same match, and further details on the nature and severity of his issue should emerge as Freiburg continues its preseason preparations.
Credited with assist in win
Makengo assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 4-1 victory against RB Leipzig.
Analysis: Makengo recorded his lone assist of the season in 20 Bundesliga appearances (12 starts) when he simply tried to head the ball into the box -- and Matthias Ginter was there to tap the ball home after no one cleared it. Makengo is more known for his defensive prowess, though. He finished the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign with 52 clearances, 33 crosses, 22 tackles, 10 blocked shots and 15 interceptions.
Makes starting XI
Makengo (thigh) is in the starting lineup for Thursday's Europa League semifinal vs. Braga.
Analysis: Makengo will start on the left side of the defense after overcoming a minor knock that caused him to miss last Sunday's 4-0 loss to Borussia Dortmund. Makengo has started in each of Freiburg's last three UEL matches, tallying one assist, three chances created, five crosses, seven tackles, five interceptions and six clearances over that span.
Option for Thursday
Makengo (thigh) is an option for Thursday's match against Braga, according to his club.
Analysis: Makengo had to be taken off early in the club's last outing but is already set for a return in the coming game, as he has shaken off his thigh injury. This will give the club another depth option, possibly a huge addition against a sporadic Rayo team that will keep Freiburg on their toes. However, he has started in their past three UEL matches at left-back, so he could see a starting role right away.
Dealing with thigh issues
Makengo was forced off in the 100th minute of Wednesday's DFB Pokal semifinal against Stuttgart after receiving treatment for a thigh injury, leaving his availability for Sunday's Bundesliga clash against Dortmund uncertain.
Analysis: Makengo had to be bandaged up on the pitch before being replaced by captain Christian Gunter, who is now expected to start at left-back if the injury proves serious enough to keep Makengo out at the weekend. The full-back has been a regular in Freiburg's Europa League lineup but has featured less prominently in Bundesliga action recently, so his potential absence would have a more limited impact on Sunday's starting XI than it might otherwise suggest. The club will assess the extent of the thigh damage over the coming days before providing further clarity on his availability.
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