Eintracht Frankfurt have a fresh decision to make in defence before Saturday’s home meeting with Bundesliga leaders SC Freiburg. Jerry Maluze, who had risen from the Oberliga and was set for a third appearance, is sidelined by an adductor problem. Adi Hütter must now replace him in the back three or alter the shape again.
Frankfurt switched to three central defenders in Mainz on matchday three, winning 3-1 after conceding seven goals across the opening weeks. Hütter did not disclose his choice for Freiburg, but he stressed that the improvement in Mainz was not solely a matter of formation. “The energy and mentality stood out,” he said. “The team worked for 90 minutes to stop goals and create them. If we do that, whether it is a back three or back four is not decisive.”
A return to four defenders would pair Robin Koch and Lilian Brassier in the middle and release an extra attacking place. That could bring Younes Ebnoutalib back into the side after the newly capped forward had recently been pushed to the bench by the tactical change. His motivation will not have diminished after a recent call from Jürgen Klopp.
Freiburg’s aerial threat shapes the call
There is a strong case for retaining the three-man defence. Freiburg arrive at the Waldstadion as the season’s most prolific side, with ten league goals, five in the DFB-Pokal and seven in the Conference League: 22 in six matches, or 3.66 per game. Three of their Bundesliga goals have been headers, the joint-highest figure in the division. Frankfurt have also conceded three headed goals, another league high.
Hütter said his team must remain flexible in its basic structure, but extra height in the penalty area would be useful against Freiburg. If he stays with three centre-backs, Nnamdi Collins is the most direct replacement for Maluze. The 22-year-old returned to the matchday squad in Mainz after weeks out with back trouble and has yet to play this season. Hütter said Collins could possibly be available, while noting that his absence must be considered. A cautious pre-match assessment did not prevent Noel Aseko from starting last week.
Otavio is the other option. The 20-year-old Brazilian arrived from Estrela Amadora, started in the cup and played five Bundesliga minutes on the opening matchday, but has otherwise waited on the bench. Hütter had expected an adaptation period after the move from Portugal, describing him as a player signed with the future in mind who needs patience and time at a higher level. Maluze’s absence may now offer Otavio an earlier opening, with the final answer due at 15:30 on Saturday.
