Small training group as international break begins

The Foals began a new week of training on Tuesday, albeit without a number of international players. Head coach Adi Hütter was back on board, however.

Adi Hütter was visibly pleased to be back on the training pitch for the first time in two weeks. “I’m delighted to be taking sessions again,” said the 52-year-old.  The boss had been sidelined for the past two weeks after testing positive for Covid-19 and also suffering laryngitis, with assistant coach Christian Peintinger stepping in. Hütter was able to lead things again on Tuesday though after completing his recovery.

There was only a small group of players to welcome the head coach back though. Seven Foals are currently away on international duty in the form of Matthias Ginter, Florian Neuhaus (both Germany), Yann Sommer, Breel Embolo (both Switzerland), Stefan Lainer (Austria), Ramy Bensebaini (Algeria) and Jordan Beyer (Germany U21s). Nico Elvedi underwent an examination on Tuesday following his Covid-19 infection and has also been given the all-clear to join up with the Switzerland national team. Patrick Herrmann, who also tested positive last week, is set to undergo the same examination on Wednesday.

Marvin Friedrich and Jonas Hofmann are still in self-isolation, with Hofmann having only tested positive on Monday. Luca Netz was also missing from today’s training session, although not because of his Germany U21 call-up – the 18-year-old left-back has muscular problems and will complete individual rehab work at BORUSSIA-PARK over the coming days. Lars Stindl and Christoph Kramer were also absent because of their participation in a DFB pilot project “Players Pathway”, which meant they were away at a seminar. Both will return for Wednesday’s session, however.

After a strength session in the morning, Stindl, Kramer & Co. will play a friendly against the U23s on Wednesday afternoon. “We want to give the players a bit of match practice,” said Hütter. The head coach will welcome his charges to the training pitch at 10:30 CET on both Thursday and Friday for further sessions to round off the week. After a weekend off, the players will return to begin preparations for the next Bundesliga match – a home clash with 1. FSV Mainz 05 on Sunday, 3rd April (17:30 CEST).

“That’s sure to be fierce battle as Mainz are one of the trickiest teams to play against,” urged Hütter. “We’re just all pleased that the stadium will be full again. It’s important for every team to have your home fans behind you – it’s something special.”