Thijs Dallinga’s season has taken a severe turn in Germany, with the Bologna-owned forward facing a lengthy absence after suffering a cruciate ligament injury while on loan at Cologne.
The decision
The Dutch striker was hurt in Cologne’s friendly against Viktoria Köln and subsequent examinations confirmed a ruptured knee cruciate ligament. It is an injury expected to keep him out for a long period, placing the remainder of his campaign in serious doubt.
Dallinga joined the Bundesliga club on loan from Bologna, with Cologne holding an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season. Should that option not be taken up, the forward will return to Italy once the current campaign is over.
The 25-year-old addressed supporters after receiving the medical verdict, describing the moment as difficult to absorb.
“Unfortunately, yesterday a nightmare became reality,” Dallinga said. “I still cannot believe what happened and it is hard to accept, but I will do everything possible to come back as soon as I can.
“In the meantime, I will give the team and this wonderful club my full support so that the season can still be a positive one. Thank you for all the messages I have received. I will be back.”
For Bologna, the injury adds an uncertain element to the planning around one of their contracted forwards. The immediate priority, however, is Dallinga’s recovery, with Cologne now set to continue their season without a striker whose loan spell has been abruptly interrupted.
